Self-leveling floors have appeared on the building materials market relatively recently, but have deservedly occupied their niche among floor coverings. However, it is still difficult to find a specialist who has worked with all varieties of this mixture, so you will have to find the answer to the question of which self-leveling floor is better on your own.
Choosing a self-leveling floor - for all occasions
Self-leveling flooring has truly covered almost all possible areas of application: in addition to decorative mixtures, you will find industrial and an average option - universal. So, with the right choice of mixture, self-leveling coating can be installed not only in an apartment, but also in a garage, warehouse or in a busy passageway.
Each mixture has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all are united by high speed and ease of installation, seamlessness, durability, high performance, fire safety and no harm to the human body. Based on their composition, self-leveling floors are divided into the following types:
- Epoxy – from the name it is clear that the composition is based on epoxy resins. The finished floor is highly rigid and hard, but it is also very fragile and cannot withstand strong impacts. Epoxy flooring is extremely resistant to moisture and chemical influences, has a low coefficient of expansion and can easily withstand temperature changes from zero to +50 °C. This coating is ideal for chemical plants, car washes, pharmaceutical shops, and food establishments.
- Polyurethane is the opposite of epoxy. The finished coating is elastic, quite flexible, resistant to shock and vibration, as well as chemical attack. Polyurethane floors are not afraid of temperature changes - even in cold weather the coating can be used without fear. Skilled craftsmen know that such floors can act as a finishing coating, especially if you add acrylic paint of the desired color or imitate the texture of natural stone. An excellent option for offices, residential premises, shops and other places with high traffic.
- Epoxy-urethane - a combination of epoxy rigidity and polyurethane elasticity. The combination of these qualities makes such compositions very wear-resistant - the floor can withstand an endless stream of people for decades. Therefore, it is advisable to use such self-leveling coating at metro stops and train stations.
- Cement-acrylic floors are no less popular than the previous mixtures. The main role in the composition is played by a mixture of polyacrylic polymer and quartz filler. The finished coating is resistant to water of any temperature, withstands the effects of detergents, acids and other chemicals, and is easily washed off from grease and oil. Their important feature is their slight roughness, which makes them not as slippery as previous options. That is why it is very appropriate to choose them for saunas, swimming pools, and corridors.
- Methyl methacrylate mixtures have an important feature - they harden quickly. it takes several hours, and you can walk on the floor without fear, and the very next day you can install the decorative coating, if necessary. They are quite resistant to loads and various types of impacts. When mixing and applying, do not forget to take care to ventilate the room - in liquid form the mixture has a very unpleasant odor, which, fortunately, quickly disappears.
In order for the buyer to quickly decide which self-leveling floor to choose, manufacturers have divided the compositions into thin-layer, self-leveling and highly filled. Even a person far from construction will understand from the name what’s what, but let’s give a more detailed description of the compositions.
- Thin-layer floors are widely used because they are the least expensive and can be installed quickly. If the concrete base is level, it is enough to apply a layer of just a few millimeters - under average loads the floor will last for decades. This coating is often used as a water-repellent layer. However, even with small shrinkage processes or shifts, increased loads, the coating will crack and be scratched. However, price plays a decisive role for many - you will find thin-layer floors in both residential and industrial premises.
- Self-leveling self-leveling floors have a decorative appearance and can withstand significant mechanical loads. Durability, resistance to impacts and chemicals, safety, and even ease of installation - the mixture in liquid form spreads evenly under its own weight, leaving no bumps or waves.
- Highly filled floors are the heavy artillery of self-leveling compounds. They really are not afraid of any blows, even cracks will not appear. This is explained by the high content of quartz sand, which reduces line voltage. Thanks to the large thickness - a prerequisite for the correct installation technology - you can easily hide significant unevenness in the floor.
Self-leveling compositions are often called liquid linoleum, although if you look closely, it is somewhat inappropriate to compare these types of coating. Compared to linoleum or laminate, self-leveling floors are much more durable and better able to withstand mechanical damage. Tiled floors have an unpleasant drawback - dirt accumulates in the spaces between the tiles, fungus and other evil spirits grow. The self-leveling surface does not have any cracks at all, so there is no such problem.
Which self-leveling floor is better - and yet?
Such explanations can further confuse the beginner or lead him down the wrong path. The most correct decision is to select the composition for each room of the house separately. So, for the bathroom and toilet, the best option would be an epoxy composition - it is the most moisture-resistant. In living rooms it is better to give preference to polyurethane compounds.
Polyurethane self-leveling floors will also be appropriate in rooms with constant noise or mechanical vibrations, in industrial facilities.
If speed is important in your work, and the room features do not include vibrations or high humidity, use methyl methacrylate mixtures - they dry quickly and the floor is of excellent quality. To understand, they are all good, and every day their composition is improving - this is only to our advantage. Another pressing question is which brand of self-leveling floor is better? Of the manufacturers, not only foreign brands are good, but also Russian ones, for example, among quick-drying floors it has proven itself very highly Prospector. From the rest they often choose Ceresit, Boden, Berghof.
Carefully read the instructions on the package and make sure that the process of mixing the composition and proportions are clear to you. Try to follow the instructions and do not experiment - self-leveling floors love precision. The best self-leveling floor is a floor that meets all requirements. Otherwise, for example, if you made the mixture too thick, the coating may crack when drying.
And yet, when choosing, do not forget about the disadvantages inherent in all compositions. So, most of them require very good, labor-intensive preparation of the base. The finished coatings do not have a special design, and they cannot be called natural. However, if you quickly get tired of such a floor, you can safely lay laminate or parquet on top of it - self-leveling mixtures are often used even instead. If there is a desire, there will always be options!
The term “self-leveling floors” combines mixtures of different compositions used for the basic and final leveling of any type of base and installation of various floor coverings.
Floor finishing must meet several requirements, including strength, durability and aesthetics. Self-leveling flooring from the best manufacturer in the form of a seamless polymer or any other type of coating is characterized by very significant advantages compared to many other types of decorative and protective surfaces.
Rating of the best self-leveling floor manufacturers: top 15
The basis for self-leveling floors can be a wide variety of binding components, which differ in composition, the presence of plasticizers and fillers.
Filled flooring is represented by several large groups: with a cement, polyurethane, epoxy and gypsum base.
The standard consumption of each type of ready-made finishing mixture directly depends on several basic parameters, but most often varies from 0.8 to 2.0 kg per square meter of base with a millimeter layer applied. In addition, mixtures differ in purpose, type of binder component, strength indicators and hardening time, as well as cost.
Decorative and finishing mixtures
Compositions intended for arranging decorative self-leveling floors very successfully combine the highest performance characteristics and attractive appearance. Polymer compounds are in demand in the construction of self-leveling floors, but there are currently many varieties of polymers.
Decorative floor finishes have proven themselves in rooms of any purpose, and the average service life of such coatings is very long. Among other things, poured floors do not require any special, too complex or expensive maintenance.
An integrated two-component system ensures the unity of the monolithic coating, and also reduces the financial costs of arranging the floor finishing, even in conditions of poorly prepared or too uneven foundations.
Qualitative characteristics of the Remosil composition.
“Liquid linoleum” or polyurethane “Polymerstone-2”
The two-component composition has excellent mechanical properties, is easily and simply tinted, and can also be used in any modern interior design.
Qualitative characteristics of the Polymerstone-2 composition.
Advanced solvent-free epoxy flooring is used in medium to high traffic areas and is highly durable, while the addition of silica sand creates a non-slip seamless finish.
Qualitative characteristics of the composition Arturo EP2500.
A two-component epoxy composition for creating a light-resistant self-leveling floor covering, consisting of an epoxy-colored base and a hardener. It is odorless, and polymerization promotes the formation of a durable and optically transparent film with very high chemical and mechanical resistance.
Qualitative characteristics of Elakor-ED.
A two-component, gloss-type epoxy topcoat with pigmented BPA, performance additives and fillers. Thanks to very high adhesion and excellent strength, it is possible to install protective and decorative coatings in premises for almost any purpose.
Qualitative characteristics of EPD-121.
Self-leveling composition for easy creation of a smooth, horizontal and matte surface. The high-strength construction and finishing non-shrink mixture is ideal for application manually or mechanically, but the hardening speed should be taken into account.
Qualitative characteristics of Glims S-Level.
The most popular compositions for self-leveling floors
The highest quality and most popular brands of self-leveling floors have a large number of advantages, represented by the solidity and tightness of the resulting coating, high resistance to mechanical stress and stress, minimal application thickness, as well as fire safety and excellent adhesion to concrete.
It is used for work on almost any base in manual and machine mode, if there are significant unevenness, as well as for application in a thin layer. Allows you to obtain a highly durable and smooth surface for decorative finishing, a heating system for “warm floors” or for arranging “floating floors”.
Qualitative characteristics of the Unis-Horizon composition are universal.
The basis of the mixture is a complex binder component, supplemented with fractionated quartz sand and modifiers, providing excellent mobility of the solution and a high-strength coating with optimal service life.
Qualitative characteristics of VOLMA-Nivelir Express.
Widely used for high-quality leveling of concrete subfloors or cement-sand bases, for arranging screeds for a wide variety of floor coverings, including “warm floor” heating systems.
Qualitative characteristics of the Vetonit-5000 composition.
Quick-hardening composition for leveling significant unevenness on substrates in dry and moderately humid rooms. The option is ideal for arranging a main or additional heating system “warm floors”.
Qualitative characteristics of the “Prospectors” composition.
A non-shrinking composition for use on weak substrates, characterized by resistance to cracking and suitable for arranging “floating” screeds or mechanized application. It is characterized by environmental safety and maximum ease of use.
Qualitative characteristics of the composition of Ceresit CN-175.
Used for interior work, suitable for manual or mechanized application under the most popular and widespread decorative floor coverings, as well as underfloor heating systems.
Qualitative characteristics of the composition OSNOVIT NIPLINE-T42.
Self-leveling thin-layer floor of a quick-hardening type with excellent performance and working properties.
Qualitative characteristics of the composition "Rusean-Nivelir".
Designed for initial leveling of the load-bearing base for subsequent finishing coating. The composition based on gypsum binder is used both in public and residential premises for various purposes, regardless of the humidity level.
Qualitative characteristics of the FORMAN composition.
Universal composition "Litopol" De Luxe
The mixture is based on a mineral binder with modifying additives. Widely used in preliminary and final leveling, under the heating system “warm floors” or arranging a “floating floor”.
Modern self-leveling floors have a very wide range of use, therefore they are actively used in the arrangement of rough finishing and fine decorative flooring in residential, office, and public buildings, as well as in sports, cultural and leisure facilities, and even some industrial facilities. When choosing a composition, you should pay special attention to the main parameters, which will allow you to purchase the best option for obtaining a durable and reliable coating, depending on the purpose of the room.
Very often, laying flooring requires a level subfloor. Nowadays, leveling the floor is not a difficult task. If previously the only solution was to install a concrete screed, today dry methods, traditional cement screed, and self-leveling mortars of various types are used to level the floor.
What it is?
Self-leveling floor mixtures are new generation mixtures based on cement or gypsum, mixed with fine filler and special additives that ensure uniform distribution of the mixture and accelerate its hardening. Such mixtures are also called levelers or levels. Self-leveling floors can be installed in any type of premises. Within a day, such a coating can be used.
The peculiarity of self-leveling floors is that they are used only as a base for the finishing coat. You can easily lay linoleum, laminate, parquet or any other floor covering on top of them.
Self-leveling floors can be installed on different types of substrates.
The mixture hardens onto them into a thin film, which:
- Has little weight;
- Has good heat and sound insulation characteristics;
- Resistant to wear;
- Not a source of dust.
With the help of self-leveling mixtures, differences in the height of the base up to 2 cm can be eliminated.
The advantages of this type of mixture also include:
- Good fluidity. The mixture does not need to be specially leveled over the surface of the base;
- Evenness of the coating. Thanks to its good fluidity, the mixture spreads evenly over the entire floor, creating an absolutely even base that hides all protrusions and depressions;
- High penetrating ability. The mixture fills even the smallest recesses and crevices in the base and adheres well to it;
- Increased strength;
- Non-flammability;
- Fast hardening and strength gain. A self-leveling floor takes two weeks maximum to dry (cement floor). Quick-drying (gypsum) - even less;
- There is no need to reinforce the base and place beacons;
- Resistance to temperature changes;
- Minimum percentage of base shrinkage;
- Low cost of material;
- A variety of types of mixtures from different manufacturers;
- Low labor intensity and simplicity of the process of preparing and pouring the mixture.
The thickness of the applied layer of self-leveling mixture is usually from one to 10 mm. In some cases, a layer of 50 mm is allowed.
Despite the abundance of advantages, self-leveling floors have certain disadvantages:
- The thinner the layer, the lower the strength of the floors;
- Such floors are difficult to dismantle;
- Due to the liquid structure of the mixture, it is impossible to make foundations with a slope using it.
In what cases are they necessary?
Self-leveling mortar is used when:
- It is necessary to update the subfloor quickly and inexpensively;
- Requires leveling of the subfloor with minor unevenness;
- The base needs to be leveled due to height differences (up to 1-2 cm);
- It is necessary to make the base of the floor smooth.
Kinds
Dry mixtures for self-leveling floors are divided into several types.
Based on the main substance:
- Cement. Mixtures of this kind are used in different rooms, including wet ones. Cement mixtures are poured in a layer of 2 to 50 mm. Self-leveling cement-based floors have higher strength and wear resistance, adhere well to the base, practically do not crack, and practically do not shrink. But the use of cement levelers is more expensive and they gain final strength only after 20 days;
- Anhydrite. These are gypsum-based materials. Due to the fact that gypsum absorbs moisture well, such mixtures can only be used in dry rooms. This floor is poured with a thickness of 2 to 11 mm. Its main advantage is the speed of drying.
According to the type of polymerizing binder:
- Polyurethane. Such mixtures for poured floors have increased elasticity and resistance to low temperatures. Such coatings are best suited for premises where there is high traffic (warehouses, offices, trading floors);
- Epoxy. The composition of such levels includes epoxy resins, due to which the floor acquires increased strength characteristics and resistance to temperature changes, moisture and the effects of various chemicals. Epoxy levelers are usually used for flooring in catering establishments, chemical plants, and car washes;
- Epoxy-polyurethane. Such mixtures combine the properties of the two above-mentioned levels and are used at sites with a continuous flow of people (metro, train stations, etc.);
- Methyl methacrylate. Floors with such a binder have an increased hardening rate. This level can be applied in a layer of almost any thickness, and this must be done quickly due to the presence of a strong odor, which disappears when the mixture hardens;
- Cement-acrylic. Floors made from such mixtures have a somewhat rough surface, and therefore such mixtures are used in rooms where floors are subject to increased safety requirements (saunas, swimming pools, entrance areas).
By purpose:
- Rough mixture. Such compositions are used when it is necessary to hide rather large irregularities in the floor. Levels of this type are applied in a 5-6 mm layer;
- Finishing mixture. Used as a final floor finish. A layer of such a leveler is applied with a thickness of no more than 4 mm onto a floor previously leveled with a coarse mixture to give it greater evenness and smoothness. The finishing compound is applied only after the bottom layer of the screed has completely dried. In some cases, such a base is not even covered with laminate, linoleum or other covering. Such a floor can be decorated with any patterns or ornaments;
- Fast-hardening composition. It is used when work on leveling the subfloor needs to be carried out as quickly as possible. Such levels can be applied in either a thin or rather thick layer, depending on the degree of unevenness of the base;
- Special mixtures used only to seal depressions or cracks in the subfloor. The peculiarity of such mixtures is increased adhesion to the subfloor;
- Solutions for restoration of wooden floors. Such compositions contain special fibers that improve adhesion, thereby providing a reliable screed.
Rating
Today, the construction market is replete with various brands of self-leveling mixtures. The Knauf “Boden” composition occupies a leading position due to its practicality and quality. It contains specially purified fine gypsum, quartz sand, various polymers and other additives.
The use of such a self-leveling mixture ensures increased reliability and strength of the floor base. This type of screed can be used when installing heated floors, since the gypsum component helps retain heat in the room.
This brand produces mixtures that are used for the device:
- rough original foundation. The mixture has good plasticity, does not shrink, and cracks do not form on the finished base;
- self-leveling floor with increased strength. The mixture levels well and does not form cracks. Maximum layer thickness – 5 cm;
- self-leveling floor, which hardens in the shortest possible time.
The products also have high technical characteristics Vetonit, which, due to the inclusion of original additives in its composition, has good fluidity, resistance to cracking and dries quickly (for example, Vetonit “Vaatery Plus”). All levels of this brand are used to create only a rough base.
Self-leveling mixtures have an optimal price-quality ratio "Horizon". The main use of mixtures of this brand is finishing coating. The maximum layer of such screed should not exceed 10 mm. Floors made using these mixtures are characterized by high levelness, resistance to moisture, and quick drying (6 hours). You can lay any coating on them, from porcelain tiles to linoleum.
It is also possible to use such a floor without the use of floor coverings.
Self-leveling mixtures are widespread in Russia Ceresit, which are used for different types of foundations - concrete, wooden. The “Ceresit Moment Flat Floor” mixture deserves special attention, which allows you to level out height differences of up to 8 cm. The mixture contains both gypsum and cement. The composition can be used in different rooms to create a rough foundation. If you need to complete floor leveling work in an extremely short time, then Ceresit CN-83 mixture is suitable for such purposes. The level hardens quickly and is very resistant to moisture.
A floor made using such a mixture can be used as a finishing floor even in places where there is increased traffic.
The mixture also attracts consumer interest "Nivelir-Express" from the brand "Volma", which allows you to create an even finishing coating, eliminating height differences of up to 1 cm. Can be used in any room. To fill cavities and cracks, it is recommended to use the Volma Rough mixture.
Also on the market you can find self-leveling mixtures “Bolars”, Ivsil, “Starateli”, “Plitonit”, “Alfapol”, which also collect positive consumer reviews.
Calculations
- Room area;
- Thickness of the layer of mixture being poured;
- Density of the leveling mixture.
Before starting calculations, we assume that for filling 1 sq. m of base 1 mm thick requires 1 liter of water.
So, for example, if you need to level the floor in a room of 10 square meters. with a level layer thickness of 7 mm, 70 liters of water are required (1 l * 7 mm * 10 sq. m.).
Next, the density of the mixture is entered into the calculation, which must be indicated on the packaging. The amount of water obtained in the previous calculation must be adjusted to the actual density of the leveling mixture. If the density of the level is, for example, 1.4 kg/l, then the required amount of solution will be 1.4 * 70 = 98 liters.
It could be easier. On the packaging of the self-leveling mixture, the manufacturer indicates the consumption of the composition per 1 m2 of floor 1 mm thick. This value is multiplied by the area of the room and the thickness of the filling layer in mm. The result will be the consumption of the mixture for the entire room.
Setting up a self-leveling screed in an apartment with your own hands is not at all difficult. You just need to buy a self-leveling mixture, having previously calculated the required quantity and prepare the necessary equipment and tools for the job.
To fill the level, the following tools are required:
- A container in which the solution will be mixed. Its volume should be sufficient to mix about 25 kg of mixture at a time. At the same time, it should be convenient for mixing and pouring the solution;
- Mixer for stirring the solution. For the same purposes, you can use an electric drill, equipped with a special attachment, or a hammer drill. It is impossible to mix the leveling solution manually, since it will not be possible to achieve the required level of quality of the mixture, and, accordingly, the final result. It has been established that the strength of the self-leveling floor, the solution for which is mixed manually, is reduced by almost a third;
- Brush or roller to apply the primer;
- A spatula with a wide spatula for distributing the mixture;
- A needle roller to remove air from the poured screed;
- Level to accurately set the beacons;
- Lighthouses.
Before you begin directly pouring the self-leveling mixture, you must carefully prepare the base on which it will be applied.
First you need to remove all construction debris using a construction vacuum cleaner or at least a broom. Wet surfaces must be dried. If there are traces of varnishes, paints, or other petroleum products on the base, then it must be degreased, otherwise a sufficient level of adhesion between the base and the screed will not be ensured, which will reduce the life of the floor being poured.
After cleaning the base, begin priming. This stage is necessary to increase the water resistance of the poured base and improve its adhesion to the screed. It is better to take primers of the same brand as the leveling mixture.
The next stage of preparatory work is the installation of beacons. First you need to find out where the highest point of the base is. Using a level, a small section of the solution is poured over it. Next, the level of the future floor is marked along the entire perimeter of the room. The beacons are fixed with the same solution that will be used to fill. They should be attached to the same composition that will be used as the main coating.
The mortar for self-leveling floors is prepared in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. As a rule, about seven liters of water are required for 25 kg of dry matter. First, pour the mixture into a mixing container, and then add the required amount of water. After this, using a mixer, prepare a homogeneous mixture for filling the floor. You need to stir at low speed for at least 5 minutes. The mixture is then allowed to sit for 5 minutes and stirred again for 3 minutes. After this they begin to work.
Pour the solution starting from the corner of the room, gradually and evenly filling the entire floor space with the solution. You can help distribute the solution with a wide spatula.
During work, it is important to ensure that there are no drafts in the room, and the temperature of the base being leveled does not fall below 5-10 degrees. After pouring, remove air from the solution using an aeration roller with a long handle.
The solution begins to harden 40-50 minutes after preparation. Therefore, you need to work quickly and prepare as much of the mixture as can be used in that time. After the screed has set, the beacons are removed from it, and the recesses from them are filled with solution.
If the self-leveling mixture is applied in several layers, then each layer must dry for at least 24 hours.
In order for the floor to be perfectly smooth, a finishing layer is poured onto the already applied layer of coarse leveler. To do this, the base is also coated with a primer in 2-3 layers. There is no need to install beacons, since the finishing levels are quite liquid and themselves spread extremely smoothly. Since the finishing leveler dries quite quickly (in 15 minutes), before applying it, the entire room is divided into zones, each of which must be filled in exactly this time. Filling also begins from the corner. After filling each section, they go over it with an aeration roller.
After all work is completed, self-leveling floors should be protected from the sun, wind and heating devices.
Manufacturers and reviews
The most famous manufacturers of self-leveling mixtures for floors are well-known global and domestic companies specializing in the production of building materials, namely:
Knauf– a German company with a long history. Engaged in the production of a wide range of building materials, including dry building mixtures;
Bergauf– an actively developing modern company for the production of building mixtures, one of the ten largest participants in the Russian market;
Weber– is part of the international Saint-Gobain group. The company is one of the recognized world leaders in the industry of dry mixes for construction and finishing. Floor levelers from this company are represented by the Vetonit brand;
Unis– a group of companies operating in the Russian market of dry construction mixtures for more than 25 years. Floor levels are represented by the Horizon brand;
Henkel is a well-known and popular company on the international market, operating in a variety of industries. Since 1986, it has mastered the production of hydro- and thermal insulation materials by acquiring the Ceresit company, which also produces dry mixtures for self-leveling floors;
"Vomla" is a Russian company with more than 70 years of history. Specialization – production of construction and finishing materials;
"Prospectors" is a Russian company that has been producing dry building mixtures for more than 25 years.
Self-leveling mixtures, which are supplied to the market by these companies, have all the necessary certificates and comply with safety standards, which ensures high quality of the floor leveling process. Therefore, reviews of these products are in most cases positive.
Consumers note the ease of pouring the floor and how quickly it dries. In addition, to perform such a screed, no special equipment or tools are required. At the same time, consumers are usually very satisfied with the result - a smooth and almost perfectly level floor, which in some cases can be used without additional floor covering.
Negative reviews about self-leveling compounds most often arise due to non-compliance with the technology for pouring floors, incorrectly diluted solution, incorrect preparation of the base, the use of a primer and leveler from different manufacturers, and non-compliance with the work conditions.
Therefore, in order not to repeat the sad experience of these respondents, it is very important to choose the right mixture correctly and take into account what other materials and tools will be needed to carry out such work.
Bulk mixtures are divided into two large groups:
Rough, with the help of which the base is prepared for laying finishing floor coverings (linoleum, parquet, parquet boards, laminate, vinyl tiles, carpet and others);
Ready self-leveling floor for laying finishing coatings.
Decorative, creating a thin polymer film with a pattern on the surface. They are also called floors with a 3D effect or liquid linoleum.
Decorative self-leveling floors with a 3D effect.
Both categories are often confused or tried to be combined. However, this is a big mistake, since they differ not only in purpose, but also in composition. The first are dry mineral mixtures based on a binder with various fillers and additives. The second are liquid ready-made compositions based on epoxy, polyurethane, methyl methacrylate and other polymer resins. In this review, we will consider compositions of the first type, as the most popular.
Self-leveling mixtures are multi-component compositions that are intended for leveling various types of bases (concrete, wood, cement-sand, anhydrite, gypsum screed) for laying coatings. Perfect for repairing defects such as unevenness, differences, cracks. When mixed with water, plastic solutions with a short pot life are formed - no more than 1 hour. Because of this, you need to work with the material quickly and as carefully as possible.
Leveling base defects using a self-leveling floor.
Self-leveling floors are classified according to the following criteria:
By area of application, are produced:
- Compositions for interior work;
- Compositions for external use;
- Universal, used indoors and outdoors.
By composition exist:
- High-strength cement. Can be used to form a full screed. The permissible layer thickness is from 2 to 10 cm;
- Cement-gypsum, combining the strength of cement and the speed of setting of gypsum. As a rule, a layer of 4-6 cm is formed from them;
- Thin-layer gypsum (up to 4 cm).
By application method. The degree of plasticity of the solution depends on this factor. There are:
Thus, before purchasing, you need to decide on three questions:
Where will the self-leveling mixture be used?
Preference should be given to a highly specialized product, since its composition is better suited to temperature and humidity conditions. For example, self-leveling compositions for exterior use contain special frost-resistant additives that prevent cracking of the finished coating.
What results are required from self-leveling floors?
If the goal is to hide defects, then it is enough to purchase budget thin-layer mixtures. To form a new durable layer, it is worth choosing more expensive compositions based on a cement binder.
How will the solution be applied?
It is more convenient to work with liquid compositions manually, while machine application requires a fixed viscosity and spreadability.
Once you have decided on the answers, you will easily understand which product you should choose.
Best or worst: rating of self-leveling floors
Self-leveling compositions are available in the range of almost all manufacturers of ready-made dry mixes. We analyzed the characteristics declared by the factories, customer reviews, and compiled our top 5 materials for leveling bases.
Knauf Tribon
The first one, but as practice shows, not the best product. This is a universal gypsum-cement mixture for interior work, the advantages of which are:
- High level of adhesion to mineral and wooden substrates;
- Technological passage – 6 hours after application;
- Laying of coatings is possible after 7 days;
- Improves the soundproofing properties of floors;
- Can be used on heated screeds;
- Layer thickness – 10-60 mm;
- Price – on average 280 rubles. per bag 30 kg.
What exactly is the disadvantage that most buyers note? Low mobility. The bulk solution is extremely thick, so it is very difficult to work manually. After curing, a fairly smooth coating is obtained; it is better to choose it for minor leveling of floor defects. Suitable for laying such capricious coatings as laminate, linoleum, LVT and others.
Volma Level Express
Non-shrinking gypsum mixture of universal type for indoor use. Works on all types of mineral bases (concrete, cement, anhydrite and other types of screeds). The manufacturer declares the following characteristics of the self-leveling self-leveling floor:
- High level of mobility of the solution, due to which it is better leveled;
- Technological passage is allowed after 4-6 hours;
- Laying of coatings - no earlier than after 7-10 days;
- Allowed for use with the “warm floors” system;
- Layer thickness – 10-100 mm;
- Price – 250 rub. per bag 20 kg.
All gypsum mixtures take longer to dry than cement mixtures, so it is advisable to give the base more time to gain strength - at least 14 days.
The self-leveling floor from the Russian Volma plant is suitable for almost all types of decorative coatings, from ceramics to parquet. It is not advisable to use in damp rooms and places with a high level of mechanical stress (production workshops, garages, etc.).
Bergauf series "Boden"
The German-Russian company offers a whole range of floor leveling products. These are cement, cement-gypsum and gypsum compositions for external and internal use.
To choose just one, you need to be a professional. Particularly interesting is the material that was developed specifically for inexperienced craftsmen - Bergauf Easy Boden. This is a universal self-leveling floor based on a complex binder to eliminate differences and other base defects. Basic parameters:
- Non-shrinking crack-resistant composition;
- Technological passage – after 4-8 hours;
- Laying of coatings - no earlier than after 7 days;
- Can be used for heated screeds;
- Layer thickness – 6-50 mm;
- Price – 370 rub. per bag 25 kg.
It is used in rooms with a normal level of humidity under any floor covering: linoleum, carpet, parquet, laminate, vinyl tiles, etc. According to reviews from craftsmen, the mixture is very demanding on the amount of water. If the instructions are not followed, the finished solution may separate.
Ceresit series "CN"
Henkel Bautechnik also offers an impressive range of products for leveling substrates. At the same time, it cannot be said that any material is better or worse; the areas and methods of their use are different. For example, consider Ceresit CN175, declared by the manufacturer as a 2 in 1 - self-leveling floor and finishing leveler.
Ceresit 175 is a universal cement-gypsum composition that can be used both for leveling and for forming a “floating” type screed (that is, independent of the base). A particular advantage is the possibility of use on weak, crumbling concrete. Pros of the mixture:
- Shrink-resistant, crack-resistant;
- Technological passage – after 6-8 hours;
- Laying decorative coverings – after 7-10 days;
- Layer thickness – 3-60 mm;
- Price – 400 rubles per 20 kg bag.
With such an impressive number of advantages, potential buyers are scared off by what many consider to be an inflated price. In addition, the packaging is reduced compared to others, which accordingly increases the final cost of the material.
Bolars SV-210
The Russian company BOLARS® also offers a wide selection of materials for floor leveling. The range includes gypsum and cement mixtures. A separate segment presents compositions for screeds.
Beginners and professionals will undoubtedly be interested in self-leveling quick-hardening gypsum flooring SV-210. The product can be used for preliminary and final leveling. Another important plus is that the material is ideal for residential and public premises with a high level of mechanical loads (up to 200 kg/cm2). The manufacturer does not recommend using the material in damp basements or garages; there are special cement mixtures for this.
Main characteristics of self-leveling floor:
- Non-shrinkage and crack resistance;
- High mobility;
- Technological passage – after 3 hours;
- Can be used with the “warm floors” system;
- Laying of finishing coatings – after 7 days;
- Layer thickness – 2-100 mm;
- Price – 470 rubles per 25 kg bag.
Compared to other products, the cost of SV-120 is much higher. But the material’s properties are noticeably superior. According to reviews from craftsmen, the solution has good spreadability and is easy to use. The downside is the mandatory use of a large number of beacons.
To summarize, we note that if the instructions are strictly followed, any self-leveling floor will show remarkable results. The main thing is not to try to save on quality by purchasing cheap fakes or analogues.
Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for selecting them. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the work that needs to be performed and you will receive proposals with prices from construction teams and companies by email. You can see reviews about each of them and photographs with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.
A huge selection of modern building materials, in addition to the endless possibilities that open up, has significantly added headaches to consumers regarding their specific choice.
Polyurethane coating
It is durable, one of the most practical, functional and unpretentious. This is the cheapest option if you consider the pricing policy in the long term. A wide selection of colors does not leave any buyer indifferent. An important point is the possibility of using them in refrigerated rooms. They are least susceptible to fading due to direct exposure to sunlight.
Polyurethane floor covering
Epoxy floors
They are absolutely safe: the compound substance does not enter into any reactions due to its inertness. They have a perfectly flat and smooth surface, plus it is easy to keep clean due to its antistatic properties and solidity. There are no seams where dirt accumulates. This flooring does not absorb any liquids. It does not rot, there is never mold on it. Does not require special careful care. This choice is a long-term, practical decision.
Epoxy floors are absolutely safe
Self-leveling floors for use in ordinary residential premises are quite expensive, therefore, first of all, when choosing a composition for the floor, you need to pay attention to the practicality and expediency of its use. You should not choose particularly durable floors, because even an apartment with the most active residents will not create the same load on it that is present at train stations or shopping areas. Even their thin and economical version can last in a home for up to 40 years.
For bathroom, corridor and for kitchens stop your choice on epoxy,
For children's rooms and living rooms- on polyurethane coating.
This type of flooring is not only durable, strong and safe, it also looks chic. Modern ones have advanced so much that they allow you to literally lay any painting and photograph under your feet.
Self-leveling floor in the living room with a 3D effect
It has the same characteristics as an ordinary one, but it is distinguished by a wide range of design options. It’s quite possible to do.
To summarize, which self-leveling floor is better?
As it became clear, there is no clear answer to this question. Before choosing a floor, you need to solve a number of problems:
- Determine the purpose of using the premises
- What restoration, preparatory measures and work will be required to install a self-leveling floor?
- Adequately determine the level of mechanical and chemical load during operation
- Identify a number of individual requirements and properties
After answering them, the answer will become obvious. All that remains is to choose a design, invite a specialist to your home, who will tell you in detail about the pros and cons of self-leveling flooring compositions, evaluate the possibility of their use in your particular case, and make an approximate calculation of the cost of its installation.
