Problems With Self-leveling Concrete

Are you trying to do self-leveling concrete and you are bothered about all the problems that emerge with self-leveling concrete, or have you run into one and are trying to figure out what to do about it? You are not alone because some other people have the same issues of not being smooth or not being level and trying to make it look good. I know the frustration that people go through in terms of making their self-leveling concrete the best to be as shiny as a glass surface.

Concrete Drys out Fast

Self-leveling compounds can dry quite quickly. To mix, pour, and spread out the self-leveling mixture, you may only have around 20 minutes. As a result, having all of the equipment and supplies necessary for mixing, pouring, and distributing the self-leveling compound is critical.

Staggering basement floor

On the subfloor or the surface where the tiles are to be installed, self-leveling chemicals do not provide stability. The self-leveling compound may break up if the wood subfloor loosens, causing the leveling floor to loosen and eventually be damaged. Before putting any self-leveling material on the subfloor, it is critical to establish its stability.

Dust And Dirt

Dust and dirt make it difficult for self-leveling compounds to adhere to a subfloor. Before applying a self-leveling compound, the subfloor must be thoroughly cleansed of dust and filth. All dust and dirt must be swept or cleaned off the plywood floor to prevent adherence. The same goes for the removal of paint on a concrete floor. After the dust has been cleared, wipe the floor with a moist sponge and leave it to dry.

Not mixing the compound well.

If mixed with more water, the self-leveling materials can readily break apart. Never attempt to loosen the self-leveling chemical combination by adding more water. Scrape the edges and bottom of the bucket with the drill and mixing paddle to make sure no dry material remains. However, because the compound sets rapidly, just mix for two or three minutes.

There is a large crack or hole on the concrete slab

Most people think that self-leveling concrete will be able to cover up the cracks or the holes that are on the slab, but this is not the case because self-leveling concrete is only made for leveling only. if you are working on a floor that has holes in concrete floors, what have to do you just have to find a concrete sealant, and you can get this through your Amazon stores or any other online stores, 

Wrong water to a compound ratio

I always see newbies who get it wrong here because every time they are doing self-leveling concrete they are always using the wrong proportion of water to the compound and that is why I always advise that you should always check the contents of the manufacturer to check his or her guidelines before applying flooring products.

Primer not done well 

Before applying the leveling compound, it is advised that the concrete surface be prepared with a primer. This is done to increase adhesion with the leveling compound as well as to seal the concrete slab underneath. Before beginning, it is critical to understand the moisture status of the slab. If the moisture level is significant, you should take repair actions before applying any primer or leveling agent, otherwise, you risk flooring breakdown.

Weather conditions

When you are doing self-leveling concrete, weather conditions are always important especially when you are doing self-leveling concrete outdoor environment, some products will advise you to avoid hot dry windy weather conditions because the porcupine roller pattern will show.

Concrete Floor Grinding

The problem of the uneven concrete floor has led to the use of a concrete grinder to level the high spots in the concrete but the problem is that when doing it, mostly by newbies or non-professionals they grind down more than the required level thereby creating more concrete flooring problems.  

Conclusion

A self-leveling cement project may look nice for a few months, or perhaps a few years. However, if not done correctly, it can ultimately crack. When your floors shift or bounce, the cement might break as well.