The device of a flat floor without defects is carried out in various ways. The classic and most common is the formation of concrete screed. The result is a relatively flat and at the same time strong floor, but this is not enough according to modern planning and design requirements.
More advanced methods include a cement-based bulk floor, which has the effect of self-leveling. Such coatings form an almost perfectly smooth surface, if you strictly follow the installation technique.
General information about bulk floors
Self-leveling or self-leveling coatings are designed specifically for the decorative arrangement of floor coverings. In fact, they solve the problem of preparing a problematic rough surface for the future installation of linoleum, carpet, laminate or other coatings, which should be laid on a flat floor. The distinctive qualities of such mixtures include the polymer base and the ability to be evenly distributed over the pouring area.
In a calm state, the poured mass spreads optimally on the floor, forming a smooth surface. What is more important, the self-leveling self-leveling cement-based self-leveling floor corresponds to the same screed. But at the same time, to create a uniform coating, a minimum consumption of material is required - in new rooms with a small number of flaws and defects, it is quite possible to arrange layers 5 mm thick.
Some compositions are distinguished by decorative qualities, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent installation of the same linoleum or laminating panels.
The composition of the mixture for bulk floor
There are self-leveling mixtures that are self-sufficient and require only filling with water. But such a flooring technique is very expensive, although it provides the highest quality coating as a result. In most cases, a combined composition is used, a significant part of which is the cement base. This is not just a filler, but a full-fledged active component that is responsible for the viscosity of the mixture.
The second part is a multicomponent factory mass, which provides the ability to even distribution, and other technical and operational qualities. In particular, the composition of a cement-based bulk floor may include mineral additives, polymer fillers, modifiers and fractional sand. Depending on the presence of certain plasticizers and modifiers in the composition, the mixture can obtain properties such as insulation, sound insulation, fire resistance, frost resistance, etc.
Solution preparation
For the convenience of the operation, it is advisable to prepare in advance a construction mixer or screwdriver that supports working with nozzles for stirring viscous solutions. Then water is poured into the container - based on the assumption that 1 ml of the mixture will leave 200 ml. However, it is desirable to determine the proportions according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, the bulk floor on a cement basis "Prospectors" involves pouring a 25-kilogram mass of 5-6 liters of water.
The mixture is mixed with a prepared tool until a homogeneous mass is formed. Next, you need to wait until the chemical properties of the solution acquire the proper quality for pouring. The exact consumption data will be determined by the floor requirements and the characteristics of the particular mixture. If a high-strength floor is needed, then the thickness and, consequently, the mass consumption will be increased. For thin 5 mm coatings, consumption will be minimal.
Device technology
The entire workflow consists of three stages. Work begins with pouring the prepared mixture, during which the solution is distributed throughout the work site. The second stage involves manual alignment, which will help the natural process of mass distribution.
And at the final stage, the cement-based bulk floor begins the hardening process. At this stage, the user only needs to cover the surface of the future floor with a film in order to protect against the ingress of small foreign particles. And now itβs worthwhile to consider in more detail the techniques for performing the first two stages of the bulk coating device.
Floor filling
Before pouring, the boundaries of the site on which the mixture will be distributed should be clearly indicated. Sometimes for this a mini-formwork made of wood with beacons is mounted. The mixture itself is poured so as to form as few bubbles as possible - in the future they will have to get rid of them with a needle roller.
It is necessary to pour out immediately the entire volume that was prepared for coating, since delays are inappropriate due to the rapid crystallization of the solution and because time gaps between fillings will negatively affect the formation of a uniform structure. If you plan to use a cement-based bulk floor in a large area, it is advisable to select several points for the bay. This will facilitate the process of uniform coverage of the entire space.
Leveling Activities
Although polymer blends are called self-leveling, it is desirable to facilitate the leveling process manually. But before that, it is necessary to compact the structure of the poured mass. On the one hand, such measures can rid the mixture of air bubbles, and on the other hand, bring out foreign bodies.
As for the tools, vibropress is used for such tasks. This is a machine that compacts high cement-based bulk floors. With your own hands, a similar operation at home can be performed with the needle roller mentioned above. Direct alignment is also done by rollers, but with a wide coverage area. Then it remains to wait for the complete crystallization of the stacked mixture and the acquisition of the necessary strength properties by it.
General flooring tips
Even at the stage of choosing the appropriate composition, it is necessary to determine whether the arranged coating will be the finish or will create the basis for another decorative design. This will more accurately determine the set of operational properties of polymer flooring.
The possibility of installing a βwarmβ floor should also be provided. In case of its installation, the cement-based bulk floor should be as thick as possible so that a heat-insulating substrate remains in the lower part. Do not forget about the insulating qualities of the upper part of the coatings. After crystallization, it is desirable to perform heat and sound insulation with special coatings. Waterproofing is realized through a film layer.
Conclusion
The rich set of advantages of self-leveling coatings in the eyes of an inexperienced consumer may completely eliminate the alternative in the form of a traditional screed. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the cons, which also characterize the cement-based bulk floor. The price is 200-300 rubles. for a bag of 25 kg - one of the weaknesses of such floorings. When arranging large areas, the solution will cost much more than conventional cement mixtures. In addition, many consider the lack of ecological cleanliness a serious drawback.
At industrial enterprises, the same polymer fillers and modifiers are not of particular importance, however, in a residential building, constant contact with such a coating is not beneficial. But private consumers can find application for such coatings, taking into account environmental nuances. So, the bulk floor can be done in a garage or workshop.