In construction, concrete is an essential material that gives buildings their outstanding strength and durability ensuring that they endure for a long time. However, the best-ever concrete may still have imperfections or unevenness due to different factors such as poorly mixed elements or uneven surfaces. This is precisely where the art of leveling concrete floors steps in to play a pivotal role.
Through the precise application of floor screed, skilled construction experts can address these irregularities, forging a smooth and even foundation. This not only elevates the visual appeal of the space but also bolsters it against potential hazards and structural flaws. The nexus between leveling concrete floors and the overarching integrity of a construction project underscores the profound significance of this process within the realm of construction and engineering.
Importance of Levelling Concrete Floors
Leveling concrete floors is vital for several reasons, each contributing to the overall quality and functionality of a structure. Below are key aspects highlighting the significance of this process:
- Facilitating Efficient Functionality: A level concrete floor serves as a sturdy base for furniture, machinery, and other installations, ensuring they sit securely without wobbling or tilting. This stability is crucial for the efficient operation of equipment and the smooth flow of activities within the space.
- Promoting Safety: An uneven concrete floor poses tripping hazards and can lead to accidents, especially in high-traffic areas. Leveling the floor eliminates such risks by providing a consistent layer of mix on-site concrete, ultimately guaranteeing a safer environment for occupants and visitors alike.
- Supporting Proper Drainage: Floors that are leveled properly help drain water efficiently, avoiding standing water and possible damage. Places where moisture might build up require even more careful attention because they are highly susceptible to deterioration. Examples include garages and basements.
- Mitigating Future Expenses: Addressing unevenness early through concrete floor leveling helps prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line. By investing in levelling upfront, property owners can avoid the expenses associated with fixing structural damage or replacing damaged floor coverings.
7 Steps of Levelling a Concrete Floor
Leveling the concrete floor involves a systematic approach that involves the 7 steps mentioned below:
- Assessing the Existing Floor:
Start by assessing how the concrete floor looks at the moment and then identifying any dips, bumps, or irregularities. Tools like straight edge or laser level can be used to measure the amount of deviation from the desired level to identify problem areas correctly. It is paramount to pay attention to both large-scale variations across the entire floor and smaller localized imperfections, as these can affect the overall quality of the leveling process. Additionally, consider the underlying cause of any irregularities, such as settling, poor initial installation, or structural issues, to address them effectively during the leveling process.
- Preparing the Surface:
Get rid of grime, dirt, and any previous coatings that may interfere with the binding by cleaning the concrete surface. Use appropriate solutions for fixing broken and other damages to enable smooth application of floor screed. Create a new shape of the surface after washing it carefully and repairing it to ensure a strong bond between the new screed and old concrete. It might involve roughening through such methods as grinding or shot blasting that enhance adherence while preventing delamination.
- Choosing the Right Floor Screed:
Choose a floor screed that suits your project, which may include considerations like tenacity, dry time, and application technique. From classic cementitious screeds to new self-smoothing compounds – each with its pros and cons concerning their use. In addition, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity should be taken into account because they can affect the performance and curing of the selected screed.
- Use of Mix On-Site Concrete:
To prepare the concrete mixture, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to see that the right cement, sand, and aggregates are used. For uniform blending, employ a concrete mixer or mixing equipment free from any differences in consistency that can influence the leveling process. It is vital to mix the concrete well and uniformly to have even strength and texture all over the screed. If necessary, one may also think of using substances like plasticizers and accelerators which will help the workability and performance especially when faced with difficult circumstances.
- Applying the Floor Screed:
Begin by spreading out the prepared floor screed onto the concrete surface in manageable sections. A screening tool like a straightedge or screed board will spread the material evenly and achieve the right thickness. Always ensure that there is consistency in terms of depth during construction to avoid overbuilding or thinning of the screed which can cause unevenness and structural difficulties. Fast-settling or self-leveling compounds require working at a pace so that they can maintain their plasticity during application.
- Leveling and Smoothing:
Once the screed is in place, carefully level it by dragging the tool across the surface, ensuring it remains in contact with the primary concrete. To have an even surface, high and low points must be filled by adding more material and re-leveling it if necessary. Do it systematically; fill up the dips, and taper the peaks slowly until you cannot see any difference between different parts. For larger areas or intricate detailing on concrete flooring, you might consider using some specialised tools such as power-floats or trowels which will give a finish of quality that is expected from professional work.
- Finishing Touches:
To ensure that the floor screed sets correctly, it should be allowed to cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations while giving it sufficient time for hardening and strengthening. Plus, drying times may span between four and twenty-four hours subject to weather conditions and the type of leveling compound in use. After curing, texture can be refined through honing or polishing while removing any other flaws from the surface. Also, think about using a sealant or protective coating to make sure that the finished floor will be highly durable, especially in places with high foot traffic or harsh conditions.
Conclusion
It is vital to level concrete before beginning any installation or construction work. It not only increases the overall visual appeal of the structure but also provides optimum durability. Whether remodeling an existing space to transform its appearance or undertaking a new construction project, concrete leveling will protect the glossy surface from deteriorating. So, contact our specialists at Pro-Mix Concrete to get the highest-quality concrete to ensure the durability of your project.
FAQs
Are there other ways of leveling a concrete floor without using a floor screed?
Screeding is usually the common method used for leveling concrete floors as it is efficient and can be used in different areas. However, self-leveling compounds or concrete overlays may also be utilized based on the project’s specific demands.
Can I use floor screed to level uneven outdoor concrete floors?
Though mainly meant for inside use, outdoor-specific products do exist. Nevertheless, weather exposure, drainage, and substrate preparation are important aspects that should be considered if the longevity and performance of the screeded surface are to be achieved.
Can mixed on-site concrete be used for leveling concrete floors?
Yes, mixed on-site concrete can be effectively utilized for leveling concrete floors. By accurately blending cement, sand, aggregate, and water on-site, construction professionals can tailor the mixture to meet the specific requirements of the leveling process, ensuring optimal strength and workability.
