Installing new flooring on uneven, sloped floors can certainly be a daunting task. Fortunately, flooring does not have to be evenly levelled in order to install new, rigid flooring, the only requirement is to be “in-plane,” which means flat. Fixing an out-of-plane floor is easy with self leveling concrete. Self leveling concrete can only be done if all heaves or dips are sorted and even.

To ensure the best results for your flooring project, read this article on what you should know and how to prepare before starting the self leveling concrete process.

1. Determine Why Your Floor Is Uneven

The floor may be uneven for several reasons, whether it’s due to old age or ineffective original concrete installation. Foundation issues, such as a broken floor joist or an old sill plate, can be problematic and cause the floor to be uneven. To determine if the structural integrity of the floor is the issue, get underneath the floor and investigate the beams and joists. If you discover cracks in the beams or walls, it’s important to have the Pour It On crew examine the issue before any self leveling commences. Uneven floors are often the result of the original floor levelling being poorly installed.

2. Thoroughly Clean Floor

Before getting started, ensure you’re doing a thorough sweep, clean and vacuum of the entire floor you’ll be levelling. It’s important to also use a primer for floor levelling and allow it to soak into the floor. If there’s any dirt or debris remaining on the floor, the primer will soak on top of the surface and not into the floor. Mark any holes or cracks on the floor with a marker or tape to ensure you seal it after.

3. Mix The Floor Levelling Compound Solution

Fill a bucket with the proper amount of water you’ll need for the solution. For each flooring underlayment, fill the recommended amount of water in each before you mix the solution. Mix the water with the floor levelling compound until you have the proper consistency. Mix each compound solution one at a time, as only 15 to 30 minutes is available for the usable and spreadable solution. 

4. Spread Evenly When Pouring

When pouring out the self leveling concrete, ensure you’re moving the bucket along the entirety of the floor as you pour. Keep the bucket low to the floor surface to prevent the solution from splashing. You can verify the pour thickness with a gauge rake. After the flooring underlayment has been applied, allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The most expected drying time is a full 24-hours.

Pour It On is a full-service floor underlayment and floor levelling company that works on both residential and commercial projects. We are passionate about providing an efficient, durable and affordable flooring solution to ensure a safe, comfortable and trusted environment for home or business. To discuss a project with us, contact us or get a FREE estimate at https://pouriton.ca/contact/.