Self-levelling screed

Before we look at how to lay self-levelling cement... What is a self-levelling floor finish ?

 

A self-levelling cement screed is a quick setting concrete compound that is designed to level imperfect floors. You would use a self-levelling floor screed to finish off a concrete floor or screed floor as a base for tiling, vinyl or laminate floors.

Self-levelling compound is a latex-based product which creates a very smooth subfloor before fitting your final floor covering. It is used on concrete floors or screeds which are uneven, not level, or in poor condition. The compound must be mixed in very clean buckets as any impurities will affect the integrity of the mix – use a mixer paddle with a drill on a slow speed to avoid introducing too much air into the mix. The following sequence shows the standard steps for successfully laying self-levelling compound.

The videos provides a fairly comprehensive step-by-step on how to lay a self-levelling concrete screed, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the product you are using.

How to lay a self-levelling floor

• The product sets very quickly and you need to use any mix product immediately.
• On a large surface area, have someone mix the next bucket of self-levelling compound so that this can be applied immediately while the first edge is still workable.
• Buy sufficient product to cover the area, taking into consideration the a floor is very poor condition will require a thicker layer to level it out.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and laying the product.