Polishable self-leveling concrete is used to level uneven interior floors, providing a solid base for new flooring installations. Composed of a cement-based mixture with polymers that enable it to flow easily and settle into low areas without needing hand troweling, polishable self-leveling concrete allows interior spaces to have level flooring surfaces without worrying about unevenness in their design. The actual Interesting Info about Artisan Concrete Polishing.
Before applying any self-leveling concrete, it is crucial to assess the floor to ensure there is no structural damage, and moisture levels can affect how quickly a leveling compound degrades over time.
Filling Cracks
Polishable self-leveling concrete can also be used as a general floor topping, making this type of repair much quicker and more straightforward than traditional methods. However, this type of repair should only be conducted on floors without structural damage, as any cracks caused by structural movements will telegraph through any new topping and require structural repair in the long run.
Prior to using a self-leveling compound, surfaces must be free from oil, grease, and dust. A survey should also be conducted in order to ascertain any unevenness on the floor that might have arisen as a result of structural movement; repairs will need to be made prior to using a leveling compound to repair it. Likewise, its moisture content needs to be assessed since high moisture levels can slow the setting time of self-leveling compounds, leading to early degradation.
Once your surface has been thoroughly surveyed and cleaned, it’s time to begin the preparation process. This should include shot blasting to a CSP rating of 3-6 in order to remove dust, dirt, or oil present on it. Any cracks on the floor must also be filled using concrete joint repair material before applying the self-leveling compound.
Leveling compounds should be mixed correctly to ensure the best possible results and prevent future issues. It is recommended to mix your first batch for at least 3-5 minutes until lump-free; additionally, invest in a quality mixer capable of supporting its weight (around 50lbs).
However, unlike previous iterations of self-leveling concrete, which were applied with trowels, this new product can be polished. While leaving behind trowel marks can be undesirable to some users, most prefer an almost machine finish, which can be achieved using diamond abrasives, squeegees, brushes, and rollers for applying this polishing finish.
Primer
Before beginning the process of using polishable self-leveling concrete to repair cracks in your floor, make sure that it can accommodate this new material. This should include conducting an in-depth inspection across the surface; if any areas have settled due to uneven loads, correct these first. Furthermore, test moisture levels regularly, as this will prevent potential damages caused by too much moisture entering the slab and its effects.
Once you have determined that your floor is ready for new material, apparent away all furniture and movable objects from the room to ensure an even finish. Be sure to sweep or vacuum to eliminate dirt, dust, or any debris that could tarnish its polished surface.
Once your floor is clear, it’s time to apply primer. A primer designed specifically for use on concrete floor surfaces should be available from local hardware stores.
Before beginning to apply the leveling compound, ensure you have all of the tools and supplies at hand. With only 10-20 minutes before the product sets up, quick pouring time may be essential – therefore, having extra hands is recommended to help spread and smooth over the overlay surface.
If you are in search of an effective self-leveling compound to use as a flooring material, Slick Mix polish-able concrete overlay could be your perfect solution. With an application thickness of up to 1.5 inches and superior compressive strength properties, this product provides an even surface that is also colorable and polished for a high-end concrete appearance.
Mixing the Compound
Before beginning to use self-leveling concrete, make sure your floor is clean and ready to work on. Clean by vacuuming or sweeping to remove debris and ensure there are no cracks, divots, stains, or other imperfections on it; a self-leveling compound could potentially cover these up; however, if left alone, they could eventually surface again and compromise their integrity.
Once you are ready to begin, start by gathering water in one bucket and self-leveling cement powder in another. Mix the cement into the water until it becomes highly viscous – like thick paint – by stirring until thoroughly mixed; mixing will hasten its setting up process significantly – this may take just minutes, depending on your product.
For larger rooms, two people working together is usually best. One should handle the mixing, while the other can move the bucket of cement around to fill each height marker as you mark them on the floor. This saves both time and glue from sitting idle awaiting use from its mixer.
Some self-leveling products provide their primer, while the majority will require that you apply one yourself. Consult the product instructions for guidance in choosing an appropriate primer for your specific product and floor type; if any priming is necessary, use it once the concrete has been mixed and before the setting begins.
Polishable self-leveling concrete is an easy, straightforward way to fix uneven floors prior to installing your chosen flooring materials or for repairs on damaged ones – with minimal preparation needed and all the right tools, almost any homeowner can tackle this project themselves! Once poured, it should only take 4-24 hours to dry completely before it can be walked on or installed by professionals. Perfect for fixing up uneven floors before installation of other materials like carpeting. And what better solution than polishable self-leveling concrete to repair damaged flooring than its faster application than traditional concrete! Most handy homeowners can tackle it on their own with just some planning ahead and tools!
Applying the Compound
Self-leveling concrete compounds are composed of Portland cement, polymer plasticizers, and other ingredients. Used to fill cracks in the floor before installing tile, carpet, or other flooring materials; or level wood subfloors – self-leveling compounds should be poured onto the bed and left to set for several hours, although best left until hardening for several days before furniture or items are brought into a room.
Before applying the compound to your floor, it is necessary to remove any large pieces of debris and clean any areas containing plumbing or equipment from it. Tape lath wood across any doorways so as not to allow the compound to get into pipes, toilet flanges, and other embedded objects on the surface of the floor.
Mix the compound according to its manufacturer’s instructions. If desired, decorative dyes can also be added at this point in order to add decorative accents for the floor. You may need to stir frequently so as to prevent it from clumping and thickening too quickly; working in partnership is recommended as you may only have 20 or 30 minutes available before the setting takes place.
Start from one end of the room and pour the compound evenly over the floor using a trowel or gauge rake to ensure an even distribution. Be careful not to spread too thin; otherwise, concrete aggregates could settle at its base, leading to unevenness if too little compound remains at its surface.
Sand added to the compound can make it easier to smooth away minor imperfections in the floor surface while waiting 24 hours before using a dehumidifier in your room to pull moisture out of the air and speed up drying time. Running such an appliance will allow faster hardening and drying of your compound.
Artisan Concrete Polishing
908 Live Oak St, Houston, TX 77003, USA
832-617-9310
artisanconcretepolishing.com
Read Also: Choosing Pool Tile Cleaner Products
