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.
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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.
YOU WILL NEED:
Self-levelling compound
Trowel
Bucket
Mixing tool
Concrete bonding agent (if necessary)
Steel brush
Broom
HERE'S HOW:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. .
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.
