Self-levelling cement screed floor

More and more homeowners are realising the benefits of having a cement screed floor. Not only is this type of flooring inexpensive, it's also extremely easy to maintain and considered a green alternative to other flooring options.

 

 

 

 

The beauty of a cement screed floor is the ability to be able to stain, paint, polish or etch to suit the style of a home. Delicate, swirling motifs are etched into a concrete screed floor. The contrast between graceful design and raw concrete make it suitable for a modern or contemporary home.

 

Intricate lace design painted onto concrete floor.

 

 

 

 

YOU WILL NEED:

Self-levelling compound

Trowel

Bucket

Mixing tool

Concrete bonding agent (if necessary)

Steel brush

Broom

 

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

 

Step 1

If you're screeding over a floor where the surface has been removed - tiles ripped up - you need to ensure that the floor is absolutely clean. Use a trowel to rake out loose material from any cracks and holes and finish off with a steel brush to ensure all loose bits are cleaned away. On an existing concrete floor, scrub any oil or grease stains with a degreaser or sugar soap; rinse well and leave to dry.

 

Step 2

Apply a cement bonding agent to the floor to aid in ensuring a sure bond between the old and new surfaces. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions. Easifloor Bond is a self-levelling admixture for hardening floor screeds. For interior use only

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SikaLatex improves the performance of cementitious renders, bonding slurries, screeds, repair and patching mortars by increasing workability, adhesion, strength and durability.

Cemcrete self-levelling compound is a cement-based mixture with setting, hardening, adhesive and self-levelling qualities. It requires mixing with clean water only before being applied to concrete floors to produce a 2.5mm smooth, ridge-free layer that does not crack and is unaffected by rising damp.

Step 3

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the self-levelling compound. If this mix is rapid-set, mix only as much as you can use in a set period of time, taking into consideration that you may need to cover the entire floor in one go to avoid any overlapping or seams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4

Pour onto the prepared floor sufficient Floor-levelling Compound and trowel to a thin layer. Then immediately spread a further layer to the desired thickness; which should not exceed 4mm.

 

GOOD TO KNOW
If a thicker bed is desired, add one part fine river sand to the self-levelling compound mixture. This could slightly reduce the levelling properties and the final texture.

 

Step 5

Cover the screed with plastic sheeting for 7 days. This has the effect of curing and protecting the screed. A daily damping with clean water under the plastic will improve the screed strength.