Everything You Need To Know about Levelling compound

In any construction work related to the floor surface, leveling is the last part of the job. For this leveling compounds are used. Leveling compound is a mixture of different chemicals or aggregates that are used to give a uniform level to the floor before laying the final flooring. It can be used over a variety of surfaces like existing tiles, concrete, timber floor or screed. The water requirement for the compound is very less and is very easy to work with. The first task here is to clear off the base from any kind of impurities or dust that is visible. Any loose flooring area must also be addressed before leveling compounds are added. Having an even surface before flooring is a must have because an uneven surface can cause the tiles or other materials to crack.

The Process of Levelling Floor With Levelling Compounds:

1. Preparing the floor:

Before applying any leveling compound the floor needs to be stable and uniform. It should be clean from dirt and dust before applying the compound.

1. Applying primer on the floor:

Before putting the leveling compound on the floor it is mandatory to apply a coating of primer so that it forms a strong bond with the compound. But, it should be kept in mind that the primer dries out completely before applying the compound. Otherwise, it will react with the leveling compound resulting in a less stable bond. For speeding up the process you can air the room so that the primer dries out faster and also to help remove any unpleasant smell if any.

1.   Identifying any uneven surfaces:

For identifying any uneven areas you can slide a wooden bar over the surface. Spot the areas where you need to apply the leveling compound.

1.    Preparation for the compound:

Since the leveling compound dries very fast it is very important to work at a fast pace. The entire process of leveling such as pouring, mixing and spreading the mixture must be done with a certain speed. A rough 20 minutes is enough to end the entire work. Wear gloves to avoid any type of chemical reactions and use a mask as well while leveling the floor.  Avoid breathing dust while working on the leveling compound. Try to follow the instructions given in the guide and do just as prescribed. For the best result, you can add cold water to the mixture and mix it thoroughly using a drill for getting rid of lumps quicker.

1.    Applying the leveling compound:

After having the basic preparation done, apply the mixture immediately on the pre-identified areas. After pouring the leveling compound mixture you have to wait for a while until it thickens and then spread it uniformly. You need to be very quick as the mixture dries up very fast. Once you filled all the cracks and uneven areas you can apply the mixture to the rest of the parts as well.

1.   Smooth out the inconsistencies:

After pouring the leveling compound you need to spread it uniformly by using some tools such as trowels or joint filers or a hawk. Remove the unwanted or excess compound and while rubbing the areas with tools and don’t put much pressure on the area because the compound has not dried yet and it may form unwanted depressions on the floor.

1.    Drying of the compound:

Drying the floor may take a few hours. It is best to leave it for a night so it can dry completely.

1.   Finishing the floor:

As soon as the compound gets dried you can check the uniformity of the floor. If there are any rough patches then you can rub it off by using sandpaper or an electric sander. This will help to give a smooth surface with a perfect finishing touch.

It is important to choose the right leveling compound for the base. The compound must be durable enough to resist any kind of heavy machinery or loads.