flatfloor
03-28-2002, 03:45 PM
SLCs – self leveling cements - Cement-based, polymer-modified, self-leveling products that can be applied in thicknesses from 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) to 1” (2.54cm) and that can be feathered at edges to match adjacent floor elevations. Pours deeper than 1” can be done by adding an aggregate, 3/8” pea gravel. SLCs can usually be applied over old or new concrete, ceramic tiles, wood, radiant heat and terrazzo. They cannot be installed over gypsum products.
Suitable as an underlayment for most flooring products, they cannot be used as a wear surface unless expressly stated otherwise by the manufacturer.
When the cement is added to water and mixed with an electric drill and paddle it will have the consistency of a pancake batter. The mixture is poured onto the work surface and spread into place. A minimal amount of “troweling” is required, usually one pass with a smoother (a toothless trowel).
Most of these products can be walked on within 2-4 hours of application and new flooring installed in 24 hours. Check with the manufacturer for detailed information.
SLC priming
When priming a concrete floor one coat is usually enough unless you see the concrete quickly absorbs the application.
Plywood and CBUs will require two coats wait for the first coat to get tacky before applying the second.
The primer can be applied with a soft bristle push broom or paint brush in small areas some pros also use a short nap roller. Rinse well with water for clean up. Don’t leave any puddles, they take forever to dry. A fan can be used to accelerate drying.
SLC over plywood
All pours over plywood require a mesh or lath. Prime the floor first then attach 2.5-diamond lath mesh. Fasten every 6” with staples. Or more as necessary.
[Edited by flatfloor on 03-29-2002 at 06:38 PM]
Suitable as an underlayment for most flooring products, they cannot be used as a wear surface unless expressly stated otherwise by the manufacturer.
When the cement is added to water and mixed with an electric drill and paddle it will have the consistency of a pancake batter. The mixture is poured onto the work surface and spread into place. A minimal amount of “troweling” is required, usually one pass with a smoother (a toothless trowel).
Most of these products can be walked on within 2-4 hours of application and new flooring installed in 24 hours. Check with the manufacturer for detailed information.
SLC priming
When priming a concrete floor one coat is usually enough unless you see the concrete quickly absorbs the application.
Plywood and CBUs will require two coats wait for the first coat to get tacky before applying the second.
The primer can be applied with a soft bristle push broom or paint brush in small areas some pros also use a short nap roller. Rinse well with water for clean up. Don’t leave any puddles, they take forever to dry. A fan can be used to accelerate drying.
SLC over plywood
All pours over plywood require a mesh or lath. Prime the floor first then attach 2.5-diamond lath mesh. Fasten every 6” with staples. Or more as necessary.
[Edited by flatfloor on 03-29-2002 at 06:38 PM]