Floor Structure

[jimmartz]

All,

I started using the Planipatch to flatten my floor, on 1/2" BC plywood.
When they say this stuff has a 10 minute working time, they are not
exaggerating, it sets FAST. This stuff is really sticky and more like epoxy
than cement. I would like to use something slower, but all the patch and
SLC in my area is fast setting.

I am doing this myself and can only seem to work with 5lbs or maybe
10lbs in an open area at a time. I am spending 10-15min working with
the patch and then 30-40min cleaning things up, only to start over again.
I got over 100sq-ft to do and this is tedious.

This is my current steps:
1. mix the Planipatch.
2. pour the Planipatch in the area to patch.
3. screed out the Planipatch.
4. Through the trowel and mixer in the mixing bucket
and pour in the standby bucket of water.
5. quickly get the bulk of the stuff off of things before it hardens.
6. by this time the part I just screeded has mostly setup and I hit
it quick with the trowel to smooth out the top some.
7. clean up the trowel, mixer, and bucket good.
8. by this time the patch on the screed has hardened and now I
got to scrape it off of the screed.
9. clean up the mess from scrapping the dried patch off the screed.
10. prepare things to start over again.

This method has to much time cleaning up for me.
Anyone have any hints on making this process go quicker/easier?

I am using a wood 2x8x10' as a screed, any thing I can put on
it to help keep the patch from sticking to it as much or
make it easier to clean off?

Thanks for any advice,
Jim

[cx]

Originally Posted by Jim

I am using a wood 2x8x10' as a screed,

Que Hombre!

I would recommend you spend a hunnert bucks and get you a good magnesium 1"x4" 10-foot straight edge, Jim. Won't help most of your concerns, but it will make your screeding task far, far easier and better.

Still hafta clean it off, of course, but that will be easier, too.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[Kman]

The best advice I can give you is to get a helper, if at all possible.

[jimmartz]

Thanks for the replies.
In time maybe I will get quicker, or be able to work with more
at a time.
I have looked into getting a real screed. But I have not found
one local and the shipping for a 10ft screed is $100+.
And the big box stores only sale up to 8ft screeds.

Thanks,
Jim

[ss3964spd]

I, too, would vote for a real straight edge, as I have serious doubts that a 10 foot long 2X8 is dead straight. I can't imagine doing all that work only to find out that there's a dip or crown after you're finished.