Precautions for Cement Self-Leveling Floors
Release Time:
2016-09-19
Source:
Precautions for Cement Self-Leveling Floors
Prepare a sufficiently large mixing bucket, add water strictly according to the water-to-cement ratio specified by the self-leveling cement manufacturer, and thoroughly mix the material using an electric mixer. The mixing should be carried out in two stages: typically, the first stage lasts about 5–7 minutes, with a 2-minute pause in between to allow the reaction to occur, followed by another 3 minutes of mixing. The mixture must be completely homogeneous, with no lumps or dry powder remaining. Once mixed, the self-leveling cement should have a fluid consistency. The mixed material should be used within approximately 30 minutes. Pour the self-leveling cement onto the substrate and use a notched trowel to spread it evenly, adjusting the coverage area and thickness as required. After allowing it to flow and level naturally, roll a notched roller over the surface in both longitudinal and transverse directions to release entrapped air and prevent bubbling. Special attention must be paid to ensuring smooth transitions at joints between adjacent areas. Depending on ambient temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions, the self-leveling cement will require 8–24 hours to fully cure; no subsequent work should be undertaken before it is completely dry.
1. Moisture-Induced Fungal Growth on Flooring: When flooring remains damp for an extended period, it can turn black due to fungal growth. The root cause of this moisture-related issue is the inadequate moisture-barrier properties of the subfloor beneath the flooring, which allows the floor to stay in prolonged contact with a damp substrate. Self-leveling screeds effectively address this problem because they feature low moisture content and rapid drying. Consequently, installing wood flooring over a self-leveling screed significantly reduces the likelihood of moisture-related damage.
2. Floor expansion and buckling: Due to the wood nature of flooring, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the boards to expand; this is especially true when moisture is localized, as the resulting mutual compression among the planks can lead to buckling. Self-leveling screed effectively prevents these issues by providing moisture-proof and vapor-barrier protection for the subfloor, while its superior smoothness, uniformity, and levelness also help avoid localized moisture accumulation that could trigger buckling.
3. Creaking and hollow sounds from floorboards: After a period of use, wooden floors may develop creaking noises and a floating sensation, a phenomenon known as unevenness or “bouncing” of the floor. This can occur in two ways: first, if the subfloor beneath the wood flooring is not sanded smooth enough, resulting in height differences that, over time, lead to a floating effect when walked upon; second, if the bond between the subfloor and the wood flooring is weak, creating hollow areas. The self-leveling leveling function provided by self-leveling compounds effectively eliminates both height differences in the subfloor and the floating caused by an unstable subfloor.
4. Fracture of Floor Grooves In recent years, click-lock technology has become widely adopted in flooring manufacturing. This technology tightly interlocks the planks; however, when severe warping occurs due to moisture absorption, the lock mechanisms can deform or even crack. If the subfloor is properly self-leveling and thoroughly protected against moisture, the grooves between the planks will maintain excellent tightness.
When applying cement self-leveling compound, there are numerous considerations to keep in mind; only by paying close attention to these can the work be carried out more effectively. Additionally, if you lack hands-on construction experience, it is essential to consult with seasoned professionals.
