What is the cheapest way to level the floor? How to level the floor: options and methods

In order to level the floor with its subsequent finishing, we need to properly prepare its base. Few of the owners can boast of having absolutely even floors in their apartment. Our floors come not only with an uneven surface, but also with an uneven plane, and therefore, this has a very negative effect on the future flooring, and also negatively affects the operation of the room. Well, let's devote our article today entirely to the initial stage of floor repair - leveling. Next, we will consider why it is necessary to level the floor, with which building mixtures you can level the floor, and also consider ways to level the floor with your own hands.

Why you need to level the floor

Many beginners ask themselves: why level the floor? The answer to this question is based on several factors. It is wrong to produce any floor finish on an uneven and unprepared surface.

Firstly, if you lay, for example, then the unevenness of the floor will be immediately visible on its surface. When laying laminate or parquet on an uneven surface, it may creak in the area of ​​irregularities or simply begin to deform and crack, especially at the joints.

Secondly, an uneven floor negatively affects the furniture when it stands skewed in the bottom side.

Thirdly, if you decide to take up the floor, then this must be done thoroughly, and not, as the people say: “tyap-blunder”.

You can level the floor yourself and for this it is not necessary to hire a team of builders and make unnecessary waste, because you can do this work yourself, there is absolutely nothing complicated about them.

Floor preparation for leveling

Of course, before leveling the floor, it must be cleaned and all measurements and calculations necessary for further work should be made. In view of the fact that the preparatory stage of the floor before leveling plays a very important role, we will dwell on it in more detail.

Initially, we must remove the existing floor covering: linoleum, boards, floor tiles, skirting boards, etc. After you have dismantled the old floor material, the floor must be well cleaned of debris and dust.

Then, using two levels, long and small, we proceed to measure the level of the surface and the plane of the floor. What is the difference between a surface and a plane - you need to know for any leveling work. The surface of the floor, probably everyone understands that this is the level of the floor itself, but the plane of the floor, remember the course of geometry, is the location of the plate itself, or rather its evenness. In other words, we can say that the surface of the floor is the surface of the floor slab, and the plane of the slab is how correctly (even or crooked) it is laid.

To begin with, we take a long level and determine the so-called big picture from it in order to know what we have to work with. Thus, with the help of this level, we determine the plane of the slab, its evenness of laying. Knowing the skills of our builders, and how interestingly they built houses, very often our floor slab can be laid crookedly, which means that we will need a lot of leveling mixture on that part of the slope. Next, with the help of a long and a small level, we check the floor surface itself and the irregularities present on it. When we have made all the level measurements, we make a decision regarding the method of leveling the floor, which we will discuss below.

After you have taken measurements, consider laying any communications in the floor. Such communications can be autonomous heating pipes, electrical wiring, television and network cables, etc., all wires must be laid in a corrugation.

The final stage of preparation for leveling the floor will be the primer of its surface. For some reason, some people neglect this issue, either for the sake of economy, or because they do not understand the importance of this process. Firstly, the primer will provide a high-quality and reliable connection between the cement screed and the floor. Secondly, the primer will prevent the possible formation of cracks on the leveling screed, and also contributes to waterproofing. To prime the surface, carefully clean the floor surface, after which, using a roller, thoroughly treat the floor with a primer, not sparing it. After 2-4 hours, depending on the room temperature, the primer should dry.

What are the types of floor leveling

Today, 3 types of floor leveling are used:

1. Alignment with a self-leveling floor;


2. Alignment with the help of a leveling solution, “along the beacons”;


3. Alignment with wooden lag.

It is in this sequence, in which we have listed the ways of leveling the floors, that they have a frequency of application. Let's look at the features and differences between these floor leveling methods.

self-leveling floor

The self-leveling floor is made using an appropriate mixture, which is prepared in special proportions with water in order to ensure its uniform spreading around the entire perimeter of the room. Thus, you do not need to perform complex work with mixing the cement mixture, uniformly distributing it and leveling it with a rule.

This method will help you solve the issue of an uneven floor, if there are minor irregularities on its surface or if the plane of the slab goes a little to the side. Based on the depth of the irregularities and the "care" of the slab, it is necessary to calculate the level of the floor filling, while keeping in mind that the self-leveling floor should be from 3 to 35 mm high. Accordingly, if you need a screed over 35mm to level the floor, then this option is not suitable for you. In other cases, we recommend using this particular method of leveling the floor, in view of its prostate and low cost.

Lighthouse Alignment

A distinctive feature of this method of leveling the floor from the previous one is that a completely different leveling procedure is used here, first the so-called beacons are built along which the floor is actually leveled, that is, the beacons are an approximate level, the height of the new floor.

With this method, you can even out significant surface irregularities and floor planes. In addition, this method is suitable if you want to lay any communications in the floor, and if so, they must be hidden under a sufficient layer of screed, which can be solved by leveling with a leveling mortar.

Leveling with wooden joists

Unlike previous methods, this method does not use cement and other leveling mixtures. The alignment procedure consists in the fact that, with a step of several centimeters from each other, wooden slats are mounted on special anchors, at an adjustable height. Thus, you can raise the level of the floor to the height you need, and carry out overall communication structures under the floor, or else produce inter-floor insulation.

This type of floor leveling is suitable in cases where you have a cold floor, most often it happens in private houses or on the first floors of apartment buildings, so that there is space between the slab and the floor surface that can be used for laying insulation. Also, this method is an excellent solution if it is planned to carry out ventilation, drain and other overall communications under the floor.

Floor leveling methods

After you have decided on the method of leveling the floor, having completed all the preparatory steps in advance, we proceed to the leveling procedure. We will consider each alignment procedure in more detail.

Self leveling floor

As mentioned earlier, the self-leveling floor includes a fairly simple leveling procedure. Self-leveling floors are a self-leveling mixture, due to its rare consistency, it spreads over the entire floor area, thereby more mixture flows into the places of depressions and recesses, and less into the places of sagging.

To make a self-leveling floor, you need to purchase a special mixture, where it will be written: "for self-leveling floor." On the packaging of this mixture, it will be written in what proportions it is diluted. To dilute the mixture, you will need a container, preferably a plastic bucket, as it will be more convenient for them to fill in the leveling mixture. Pour the required amount of dry mixture, pour the specified amount of water and knead the bulk substance in this container.

Further, when the bulk mixture is ready, from the far corner we make a gradual filling of the substance, moving towards the exit. The mixture should spread over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. When the mixture has spread, we take a spiked roller and use it to get rid of possible air bubbles that may be in the bulk mixture. Roll out very carefully, in different directions several times, this is necessary not only to exclude air bubbles inside the mixture, but also to evenly distribute the bulk mixture. The height of the needles in the roller must be greater than the height of the layer of bulk mixture. It is worth noting that if you use this method to level the floor in a large room, then the filling must be done after dividing the room into sectors, but at the same time try to do everything quickly so that all sectors are connected together.

The advantage of the self-leveling floor is that it dries quickly and after a few hours you will be able to carry out further repairs.

Now for the calculations. If your room is 8 square meters, then you will need at least 6 bags of leveling compound for the self-leveling floor.

Leveling the floor with a leveler

Now let's look at the second way to level the floor - along the beacons. When the floor surface is prepared: cleaned and treated with a primer, we take special slats, which we will serve as beacons. Why "beacons" and what kind of rails are they? Let's start in order.

Since for this leveling method we will use a thick leveling mixture, it will not spread by itself, and therefore we will need to level it ourselves. If you think logically, then how can you level the room in this case? To do this, the so-called beacons are laid along the room, according to the level of which we will level the floor. Both perforated metal corners and any similar flat metal material can be used as beacons, but of course, it is best to give preference to perforated corners.

So, for laying beacons, we retreat from a parallel wall a few centimeters, in steps of a meter, and we lay them across the room. We fix the beacons themselves to the floor with the help of a building mixture: alabaster, or cement. With slapping movements, using a spatula, we apply a small amount of the mixture in a row, the layer of which depends on the new level of the floor. Then we put the beacon on top and level it. After making sure that it is evenly laid, we fill the voids between the floor and the lighthouse with this mixture. Then we do this procedure with the rest of the beacons. When the beacons are securely fixed, we begin work.

From the far corner, in the opening between the first and second lighthouses, we throw in a special cement mortar so that it is slightly higher than the level of the lighthouses and, using the rule, move to the sides, towards ourselves, and then from ourselves we level this area based on the rule on the lighthouses. Use a section no longer than a meter for alignment. Then, in the same way, we level the rest of the floor.

Such a floor will dry for at least 3 days. As for the amount of the mixture used, it is very difficult to name it, since it will depend on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room and the height of the floor being increased.

Leveling the floor with wooden logs

Well, the last option for leveling the floor is with the help of rails. In order to properly level the floor with wooden logs on your own, you will need special anchor bolts. Such a bolt consists of the anchor itself, which is inserted into the concrete floor and tightened with a nut, and a long threaded base, onto which the fixing nut is screwed and a washer is placed, then we insert wooden logs through a pre-made hole, put a washer on top of the log on the anchor and fix it on top with a nut.

Thus, we mount the logs on the anchors, which are installed in increments of 50-60 cm from each other, and then, using the level, we adjust their evenness. Between the lags themselves there should be a distance of about 20-30 cm. In the upper part of the log, it is necessary to make special grooves so that the nut does not protrude beyond the surface of the log.

If necessary, heat-insulating material, such as glass wool, can be laid under the logs. Such a floor will be perfectly insulated and has good sound insulation. On top of the lag, the very surface of the new floor is made from plywood, or from chipboard sheets.

Frequent questions that beginners ask when leveling the floor:

How to level a concrete floor

If the surface of the concrete floor is flat and you need to make a high-quality leveling of the concrete floor surface, then the self-leveling floor is the best option for solving this problem.

How to level the floor under linoleum and parquet

Produced from these materials requires a perfectly flat surface, so it is recommended to use leveling with a self-leveling floor again. If the floor is very uneven, then its alignment can be done using a leveling solution. If for some reason the surface is not even enough, you can make a second layer of the floor, self-leveling, to obtain a high-quality even surface.

How to level the floor in the bathroom

If you are puzzling over the question: how to level the floor under the tiles in the bathroom, then there can be 2 ways to do this. The first way: to make a preliminary leveling of the floor surface and lay the tiles directly on this surface. The second way: leveling the floor directly when laying the tiles, that is, when you apply a large layer of adhesive mixture on the floor or tiles (depending on the laying technology) and level the floor already on the laid tiles.

Video instructions for leveling the floor:

We will find out if the rotband is suitable for the final leveling of the subfloor ... Before installing the floor finish, it is necessary to level its surface, hiding deep cracks and irregularities. So how do you level the floor? self-leveling a mixture?

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Certainly yes. First, about leveling the walls with a rotband:

Tools and tools for leveling the concrete floor

To level the floor, you will need the following tools:

• With self leveling mixture . To level the floor, whose area is 20 square meters. meters, you will need to buy about 2 packs of 25 kilograms. But experts advise buying materials with a 10 percent margin, since it is not always possible to calculate everything correctly;
• Overalls - closed, studded shoes, rubber gloves, respirator. This is necessary in order to protect the skin and respiratory organs from the harmful substances contained in this mixture;
  
• Tools - mortar preparation container, construction mixer (drill with a special nozzle), wide spatula, needle roller;
• Primer mix ;
• Lighthouses for calculating a flat floor surface. Ordinary wooden bars or metal profiles can act as beacons.

Advice ! When buying a roller, it is necessary to take into account that the length of its needles should be 1-2 millimeters longer than the thickness of the leveled layer. One of the most popular methods is a mixture.

Let's return to the question of whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband:

Preparation for leveling the floor with a rotband (if the picture is hard to see, hold down the ctrl key and hold down the mouse roller)

We'll be back to the rotband soon, but for now, let's talk about mixes.

Leveling the subfloor with a mixture

Let's take a look at step by stephow to level the floor with self-leveling DIY mixes:

one . Applying a rough coat

Lay an elastic band between the wall and the future screed. This stage is performed after the floor is cleared of excess debris and dust.

If the subfloor is laid with a significant slope, it is recommended to set beacons that will serve as a guide to create a flat surface. They are mounted along the room and fixed with cement mortar. End guide rails established at a distance of 20 centimeters from the wall, the rest along them, observing an interval of 1–1.2 meters.

Preparation for work - is it possible to level the floor with a rotband

2. Dilution of the mixture

This process is carried out according to the attached instructions on the back of the package. When the composition is completely ready for use, it is poured onto one of the equipped "tracks" (work should be done from the window) and with quick movements they begin to smooth the mixture with a wide spatula.

Attention ! If the mixture in the container has begun to dry out a little, its re-dilution is unacceptable, it is disposed of and the solution is prepared again. Therefore, it is recommended to start with small portions. This is especially true for novice novice repairmen.

3 . Insulation

It is necessary to isolate the room from drafts and from direct sunlight. Once the floor is dry and ready for further work, the beacons can be completely removed as they are no longer needed. The final layer is made from a more liquid solution.

Let's briefly return to the question of whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband:

Leveling the floor with a rotation band is easier than it seems (if the picture is hard to see, hold down the ctrl key and hold down the mouse roller)

4 . Primer turnhnosti

The mixture is prepared in the proportions indicated on the label. Then it is evenly distributed over the entire floor surface, and after a while a second layer is applied, and after it comes the finishing of the floor.

Why is surface priming necessary? First of all, this is done in order to improve the adhesive properties and prevent the last, final layer from drying out quickly. The final layer of leveling compound will have the best adhesion to the subgrade. Preparation for work - is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Some say that it is extremely fragile, it will crumble. In addition, it does not have waterproof properties.

5 . Filling the finish layer

The layer is also made from self-leveling mixtures. To complete this stage of work, you will need a millimeter scale and benchmarks. They allow you to adjust the thickness of the poured layer. After these beacons are set, you need to start preparing the mixture (see instructions).

After preparing the mixture, it must be poured onto the floor in small portions and smoothed with a spatula. Next, the benchmarks are removed and they pass over the entire area with a spiked roller to remove air bubbles that have appeared on the surface of the last layer.

The mixture hardens very quickly, almost instantly, so you need to work actively, but at the same time carefully.

Let's return to the story of whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband:

Selection Guide concrete floor leveling material

What to consider when choosing self-leveling mixtures :

• Look for the presence of modifying additives in the composition. To improve the adhesion of the mixture to the floor surface, manufacturers add quartz sand.
• The plasticizer in some blends serves to impart a high thermal conductivity and elasticity.

• It is necessary to correctly determine the degree of unevenness of the floor.
• Read the instructions before you start preparing the mixture yourself, without knowing what to what and how to combine correctly.

Floor leveling with self-leveling mixture is not such a complicated process as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is to maintain proportions and smoothness of action.

The better to level the floor in a private house with your own hands

We found out whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband, but in general the leveling of the floor must be done immediately before the final finish. The question of which technology to use depends on several factors - whether the floor is severely deformed, what material it is made of, what type of flooring will be used, even the dimensions of the room play an important role. These and many other factors influence the quality of the future finish. How to level the floor in the apartment correctly and without errors? We will answer this and other related questions that arise for everyone who has thought about the question of how to level the floor in an apartment or a private house on their own ...

How is the measurement of the final level of the floor surface

To say exactly which floor leveling technology will be more effective in a particular case, it is necessary to accurately measure the level. In order to determine the level, the highest accuracy and some specific knowledge will be required. It is impractical to measure the level with the naked eye - such changes will be inaccurate and are unlikely to give even an approximate picture of the existing level. What tools are used to determine the existing level? Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? If under a light laminate and do all the work very carefully, then completely.

• A level is a special tool that is used in geodesy. With this tool, you can measure the level on large-scale construction sites. The level is difficult to operate and requires specific knowledge to use, but it guarantees the highest level of calculation accuracy.
• Ordinary level - this tool is often used in construction. In case of lack of length, you can use the usual rule, which allows you to adjust the position of the level.
• The laser level is the most accurate tool for measuring and calculating. It is simple to operate, but gives good results - the error will be no more than 2 millimeters. When using a laser level, it is best to wear protective goggles. A large number of functions allows you to use the laser level for calculations of various types - the measurement process takes place automatically.
• Hydraulic level - this tool is ideal for calculations and measurements on large construction sites. Measurements are made simply and quickly, but it is necessary to watch the tube, avoiding air entering it.

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband - of course, but keep in mind that this mixture is not durable.

To begin with, in order to properly align the floors in the apartment, a zero output will be required. In other words, you need to get level zero. This means that after all construction work is completed, the level should be the same in all areas of the apartment or private house. To do this, you will have to take into account many additional parameters, for example, the height of the subfloor. The latter can vary in rooms where different floor coverings are laid - by a maximum of 3 centimeters.

Types of screeds for leveling concrete floors

Cement and sand - cement-sand type of screed

Screed using sand and cement is considered one of the best in popular circles. Is it really?

Advantages:

• Durability
• Low cost
• You can hide small communications inside the screed
• It is used when leveling even serious differences above 6 centimeters

Disadvantages:

• Takes a long time
• To create a cement-sand screed requires experience and knowledge

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband, we figured it out. As for the cement-sand screed, we have the following. Zero must be computed to create this screed. To do this, you need to take an ordinary level. Then, at a height of one and a half meters, it is necessary to mark the stop line - from it the measurement of the distance to the floor itself will begin. It is necessary to head for the minimum allowable distance - it is calculated using the level. In this case, it should be borne in mind that the minimum level of the screed should be two centimeters. You can make the line even and accurate by drawing an additional line, which is made along the bottom of the wall and marks the boundaries of the imaginary floor (future level).

In order to prepare the base itself, you need to remove dirt and dust from it as much as possible. You need to carefully sweep it, and then additionally vacuum it. Only after maximum cleaning it is necessary to proceed to the direct priming of the base. Immediately after creating the initial layer, it is necessary to apply a waterproofing solution to it, and then apply the next primer layer. Thanks to this technology, the maximum possible degree of adhesive setting with concrete will be achieved.

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband and in general the better to level the floor is an individual question. Move on! Now you need to set the beacons, which make the surface even and smooth. Improvised metal elements can be used as beacons - they are fixed directly on the base with the help of regvins. If for some reason this technology cannot be used, then there is a lightweight technique. It is necessary to create small guides from a solution of cement and sand of the required dimensions immediately onto the slides. The level of evenness of improvised lighthouses must be confirmed each time using a building level. The first beacon must be fixed at a distance of twenty centimeters from the wall, and the others - at a distance in steps of forty to sixty centimeters parallel to the wall. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Quite! Look at the result below:

Lacquered parquet is stylish and beautiful in any interior

Materials and compositions for organizing floor leveling

They are prepared either from their ready-made dry mixes, or the ingredients are kneaded on their own. To make the composition for leveling, water must be added to the finished mixture. The proportions are always in the instructions that come with the building mixture. In order to make a leveling composition with your own hands, you need cement, sand and water. To do this, the mortar is mixed with a construction mixer. The finished composition should be similar in consistency to sour cream and be quite homogeneous - it should not flow over the surface, but only spread a little.

So, a fresh solution is applied directly between the beacons themselves. Start - from the farthest corner of the room and you need to move towards the door.

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband - definitely, yes, but is it worth it? Some masters say that it is intended exclusively for plastering ceilings. Let's go back to applying the solution. After pouring the solution between 2 beacons, the resulting mixture must be leveled according to the level of the beacons. In this case, you need to shift the mixture in your direction. During the creation of the floor screed, it is necessary to “prick” the still fresh mortar with a metal rod. This is done so that in the process of setting the entire mixture, so-called voids do not appear in it. In the case of independent work on the creation of a floor screed, installation must be carried out by at least two people. The sequence of work is as follows: one aligns the composition with the beacons, the other prepares the next part of the mixture. An important rule - a floor screed limited to one room must be done in one day.

You can move on the floor with a fresh screed after 3 weeks. It is after this time that she completely seizes and freezes. On the 3rd week, the floor surface with a new screed must be covered with PVC film - this will insure the screed from cracking. If there is no film, then you can simply wet the surface of the screed several times a day. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Undoubtedly. But, as mentioned above, this is often not advisable - it's just expensive plaster for leveling ceilings and light plasterboard partition walls.

What does a properly made screed look like?

It has a gray tint, which falls on the entire surface of the screed. When struck with a wooden rolling pin, the sound will be the same in all places of the screed. What horizontal deviations are allowed? No more than 0.25% - speaking for example, for a room four meters long, the total level of height difference should not be more than eight millimeters.

It should be noted that the screed can be both the main leveling method and only part of the overall plan to create a flat floor surface.

It is interesting that today the so-called wood-concrete screed has practically fallen into disuse. More recently, this method of leveling the floor was extremely well known. It differed in that when creating the composition, sawdust was added to the solution. The sawdust made the concrete more stable and durable, it became breathable, but the ironing process was difficult as large pieces of sawdust rose to the top and tore the resulting mixture.

Semi-dry screed

Is it possible to level the floor under the rough base with a rotband - the answer was given above. We can say that the semi-dry type screed is a relative of the sand and cement screed. A semi-dry screed is placed almost identically, and the main difference concerns the composition of the solution. It lies in the fact that the amount of water that is added to the mixture is minimal. Water is added only to activate the hydration of the cement. To strengthen the composition during the preparation of the mixture, fibrous material is added to it. It would seem that such minimal changes in the cooking process
the solution should not affect the final screed, but these are misconceptions.

The semi-dry type screed has a number of advantages:

• Highest Density
• No voids
• Moisture hardly evaporates
• Shrinkage is at a minimum
• Freezes quickly
• Building materials can be stored in rooms with a fresh semi-dry screed
• In rooms with a fresh semi-dry screed, finishing work can be carried out
• Dirt-free styling

Disadvantages of a semi-dry screed:

The semi-dry method also has its weak points. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? It is possible, but it is impractical and keep in mind that after drying it can give different shades.

• It is difficult to fill corners (due to high density) - this disadvantage is easily corrected by adding plasticizers to the mixture
• It will be possible to independently level an area of ​​\u200b\u200bno more than 70m2. Pneumatic paver required for leveling large areas

As mentioned above, the technique of laying a semi-dry screed repeats the technique of laying a cement and sand screed. However, there are some features that need to be mentioned. They relate mainly to the preparation of the solution. So builders are advised to mix three shovels of sand to one shovel of cement until the required amount of mortar is obtained. The mixture is continued to knead and the water is carefully added, which already has the added fiber material. Fiber is taken at the rate of eighty grams per bucket of water, but only if there are no additional instructions from the manufacturer of the fiber. It is necessary to add water until the composition acquires a characteristic state of sandy loam, which is similar to the state of sand with a high content of clay, which sticks together strongly. If the resulting mixture is compressed, then water will not come out of it, and the resulting shape will be preserved. If the wrong amount of water was added, then the mixture can be corrected by adding sand with cement. This is done in previously withered proportions, but in reduced quantities. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband, we learned. And you can do it like this:

There is a rule - the composition is placed in 2 layers. The first layer is lower than the position marked with a level, but with as much compaction as possible. The second layer - with a significant broach with the help of a building rule and with high-speed grinding. You need to work quickly and accurately - the solution seizes within one hour. There is a widespread opinion according to which the first layer is immediately immediately around the perimeter of the room. This can be done, but only if the second layer applied next is completed in one hour. Expansion joints near the walls can be cut already one day after the installation of the screed. Their width should not be more than three millimeters, and their depth should not exceed a third of the level of the screed. Now you don’t need to ask yourself the question whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband.

Self-Leveling Type Compounds

Sometimes such compounds are also called self-levelling. The basis of such a mixture is ordinary cement with the addition of special components that increase plasticity and change the consistency of the solution. Sometimes components are added that create reinforcement to contain and prevent future cracks. Using self-levelling compounds, you can quickly and easily level almost any floor, provided that its differences are no more than three centimeters. Self-levelling type mixtures are used for work related to leveling floors for finishing with carpet, tile, and often cork and linoleum. All mixtures of a self-leveling type can be divided into several types:

• Thin
• durable
• Soon grasping
• Mixes for warm floors

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband - it's better to forget about it. Take a quality mixture and work - as easy as shelling pears. But mixtures of a self-leveling type, as you might have guessed, are used not only for rough finishing, but also for finishing. There are also mixtures for the so-called rough leveling of the floor - they are used only for leveling the floor with significant irregularities.

What are the advantages of self-leveling type mixtures?

• Easy installation
• fast setting
• Resistance to sudden temperature changes
• Increased reinforced properties
• Resistant to physical impact

Self-leveling type mixtures also have disadvantages:

• With a mixed composition you need to work quickly
• Significant changes in surface level

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Better use a different quality mixture designed exclusively for floors! Working with self-leveling type compounds is simple and easy. They are ideal for leveling sand floors, concrete floors and some other materials. How is self-leveling type mixes prepared? Very simple - you need to dilute the store mix with water and just knead it. This is best done with a construction mixer. If not, then an ordinary drill with a special nozzle will do. The solution-composition must be prepared in parts or in portions - this is done because the solution loses its original properties within the first fifteen minutes. As in the case of other types of screed, it is first necessary to prepare the work surface - clean it of dirt, eliminate all irregularities and then prime it.

Any floor needs to be leveled - even if it seems fairly level

We found out that the answer is whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband is negative. In general, how to equalize the tenth question, the main thing is to correctly calculate all the stages of work. After the mixture is fully prepared, it must be poured directly onto the floor. The principle of operation of a self-leveling mixture lies in the laws of physics - it is not necessary to level the mixture and fix the beacons. Mixtures of a self-leveling type, after preparing the solution and pouring it onto the floor, must be leveled with a spatula. If it is not available, you can use a needle-type roller. It is justified to pour the solution on the entire floor at once, but if this is not possible, for example, the room is too large, then the solution must be applied in impromptu stripes. It is necessary to work as quickly as possible, since it is unacceptable for the edge of the strip to dry out. To achieve a perfectly flat plane requires a steady hand and a lot of experience, but even under such a set of circumstances, the result is not guaranteed - it is very difficult to do it manually. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Master's review:

I spilled two liters of water on the rotband screed. Such a scientific experiment. And nothing terrible happened - the moisture just went inside. The verdict - you can even out small defects with a rotband with a clear conscience.

The setting speed depends on several factors among them - the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the level of humidity, the thickness of the screed layer. You can walk on a fresh screed made on the basis of a self-leveling type mixture after 12 hours, and install a finishing floor covering after 5 days.

Leveling a concrete floor with GVL

This type of leveling is sometimes referred to as a dry type screed. GVL is gypsum-fiber sheets. This technology provides a simple and fast process of creating a screed. Nevertheless, the screed using the technology of gypsum-fiber sheets is inferior to the screed made using the monolithic technique. An expanded clay layer is placed under the gypsum-fiber sheets as a thermal insulator. It is possible to use other building materials, but only if they have the required thermal insulation properties. Whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband or not, only you decide.

Leveling with gypsum boards starts in the same way as other types of leveling with a thorough cleaning of the surface. All dirt and other debris must be removed. Then waterproofing is laid on the floor. As the latter, you can use PVC film or any other synthetic material with similar properties. PVC in the form of strips lay directly on top of each other ten centimeters. This is done in an overlap with visits to the walls by ten centimeters. Directly around the perimeter of the room, it is more expedient to use an edge tape - it should be based between expanded clay and PVC film.

The expanded clay layer must be effectively compacted and then leveled to a predetermined level. The starting plate is fixed in the position as close as possible to the door and is fixed using simple self-tapping screws. After the starting layer is made, it is necessary to proceed to the creation of the second layer - it is laid on the glue. A necessary condition when creating a second layer, gypsum-fiber sheets must be shifted by twenty-five centimeters in relation to the starting layer. If you want a durable and reliable subfloor, it is better to forget about the question of whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband. Let's get back to the GVL alignment. To guarantee additional stability, you can fix the second layer to the starting layer using simple self-tapping screws. It is better to install beacons in the form of wooden or metal blocks that have a U-shaped profile. Moving along the expanded clay layer can be done using plywood sheets or gypsum fiber sheets.

At the final stage, the joints and fasteners are primed with the help of building screws. Next comes the priming of the remaining surface.

Trim excess PVC film and tape. Leveling the floor using this method has a great advantage - all installation work can be done in stages and not in one day. This approach greatly simplifies the screed process and makes it more efficient. When asking yourself the question of whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband, always remember that there are much better and more reliable options.

Plywood leveling concrete floor

This method of creating a screed is of the dry type - to create it, you need to use sheets of plywood. Plywood leveling can only be used in rooms where there are no sudden temperature changes and a constant level of moisture is set. This type of screed is ideal for wooden floors, as well as for concrete floors with parquet, laminate and its derivatives. There are two ways in which plywood leveling occurs:

• Installing plywood sheets on the floor
• Installation on logs

Mounting plywood on a plank floor is used in cases where the height difference is at a minimum level and is significantly smoothed out. Often installing plywood on a plank floor is used when the deformation of the floor is caused by the floorboards. In the latter case, even logs as such are not needed - they will be replaced by ledges on the floorboards if they are arched enough. In this case, the thickness of the plywood should be 10 millimeters, and its width should not exceed 20 centimeters. All boards must be deformed to the same extent. If the floor boards are wider than 20 centimeters or some floorboards will not rest against the leveling layer, then the way out is to use plywood with a thickness of about 20 millimeters. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? The result is in the photo below:

All used plywood sheets are best kept for two to three days in a room where work will later take place. An antiseptic should be applied to plywood sheets. Before starting work, plywood sheets should be placed on the floor in the order in which they will subsequently be fixed. In the case of using sheets measuring 125 by 125 centimeters, there is a little trick - it is more practical and more convenient to simply cut them into four equal parts.

Then they are laid on the floor and each next row is moved relative to the past - in this way bricklaying is imitated, but a gap is left between the sheets, which should be equal to one centimeter, and, accordingly, the gap between the wall and the sheets is about one centimeter. Such gaps will be saving in case of swelling of the tree. The next step is to fix the plywood sheets to the scallops of the boards using self-tapping screws.

Often, plywood sheets are placed immediately on already leveled concrete - this technique allows you to create an almost perfectly flat surface. Is it possible to level the floor without defects with a rotband - yes, but without the experience of such work, it is extremely difficult to do this on the first try.

Installation of plywood sheets on logs is used when significant temperature differences are recorded in the room. With the help of the lag system, concrete floors, as well as wooden floors, can be leveled. The start takes place as usual - first, the base is freed from debris and dirt. When a tree acts as a base, it must first be covered with an antiseptic solution. After that, waterproofing is created - as a rule, it is a simple PVC film. All logs and also sheets of plywood must be coated with an antiseptic solution.

To create lags, elements made of timber, plywood or other wood with equal sides of forty, fifty or sixty millimeters are perfect.

There are cases when it is impossible to raise the floor - in this case, sheets of plywood will be an ideal option for creating lags. In this case, they are placed across the rays that fall from the window from steps of forty centimeters. The next step is the installation of transverse-type jumpers and fixing them with self-tapping bolts. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Extremely inappropriate.

In the next step, absolute accuracy and a firm hand are important - fixing the crate should take place according to the level that was applied to the wall. Wedges made of metal or wood gaskets are mounted on improvised logs, sometimes roofing material - these elements must correspond to point-type supports. Some builders recommend using sand during this process. Then the entire resulting system should be fixed to the floor - for this you need to use dowels, which should be about three times longer than the thickness of the improvised lag. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband, or can you find another more suitable material. The choice is yours.

The inside of the crate must be filled with high-quality insulation, you can use a simple mineral wool, or a screed (pva + wet sawdust). To do this, apply a two or three-layer mixture, and then wait about three days until it grabs (you can use a thin plywood base). Plywood sheets pre-selected and treated with compounds are fixed with self-tapping screws, but care should be taken to leave a gap between the sheets of at least a few miles.

In cases where the differences are more than five centimeters, but less than eight, the lag-mini system is used. To do this, directly under all jumpers, as well as lags, you need to mount wood gaskets. The height of the resulting supports can be completely different.

If you do not take into account the specific techniques that take place with plywood screed, in general, this is a quick and reliable way to level the floor. No need to wait for the glue to set - this is an absolute plus. Plywood sheets are “light” - they do not put pressure on floors, as is the case with concrete. Plywood alignment requires a qualified approach to the performer, otherwise it will not bring the desired result.

Outcome. The secret to leveling a concrete floor

The main thing when leveling any type of floor is to remember that it is better to overpay and do all the work correctly than to get a partially deformed floor later. To level the floor you need to approach with knowledge - then the result will be reliable and durable. We hope that after our article it will become clear to you forever whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband.

Leveling a concrete floor - an American approach

Not be sure to live with an uneven concrete floor.If you're planning on installing new floors above slab, then you don't have to put up with a defective floor.To get a smooth and even surface, you need to use the highest quality leveling compound that you can get on the market. So, let's begin!

Do-it-yourself concrete floor leveling

Concrete floors are among the strongest, most durable and reliable.However, especially in areas where moisture builds up, such as the basement or laundry room, concrete floors become extremely vulnerable.There are at least a few reasons to go in for concrete floor leveling.First of all, this is done to prevent structural problems in the concrete.Secondly, if you plan to install flooring over a subfloor, it must be perfectly level.Because floor leveling is a common occurrence for any homeowner, industry leaders provide a range of products designed to make the leveling process as easy as possible. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Think well. Maybe replace it with another mixture?

If you will be involved in specific leveling work in the future, start familiarizing yourself with Concrete Leveler products.Convenient and effective, CTS Cement's self-levelling compound is easyspreads over uneven slabs, filling all the depressions. As it progresses, this compound creates an even and smooth surface during the setting process. Subject to the technology and due experience of the master, you can count on the fact that the new floor will turn out to be put on the rough floor after several hours of leveling the subfloor. Concrete Levelersuitable for both outdoor and indoor use. This composition greatly simplifies the complex and demanding work of leveling concrete. That is why this composition will allow leveling the concrete floor even for those who do not have special skills and experience.

Planning. Calculation of the amount of mixture for leveling the concrete floor

Instead of improvising as you go, start by assessing the condition of the concrete surface.Your goal is to determine not only the scope of the project, but also the amount of mixture.The key question is what floors will be laid on the subfloor.Carpets, vinyl boards, parquet, as a rule, forgive minor defects in the subfloor.But for a successful installation of “tiles” made of solid wood, the subfloor must be perfectly flat.Here, the difference between the lowest and highest point on the floor can be no more than 0.6 centimeters.Thus, if you intend to leave a concrete subfloor or use carpet, vinyl or hardwood flooring, then the best option is to level only the problem areas with a special compound such as Cement All. If you are still wondering if it is possible to level the floor with a rotband, then most likely you missed the answer at the beginning of the article.

If you want to prepare a subfloor for solid wood flooring, you will need to create a perfectly flat base. To create it, you need enough concrete leveler to cover the full area.With a floor thickness of 1.27 centimeters, a 50 kg bag of concrete leveler will be enough to cover 1.3 square meters.For a floor 0.6 centimeters thick, the same bag is enough for 2.7 square meters.

The finish floor will look even and beautiful only if the subfloor is perfect.

Preparatory work for leveling the concrete floor

After removing everything from the room, including the baseboard, clean the concrete surface as thoroughly as possible.Be sure to remove dirt and debris, including peeling paint, peeling adhesive, and chips.Pay special attention to stains resulting from grease and oil spills, as their residues can compromise the setting of the mix and concrete. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband is often asked by people without experience in repairs.

For best results, it is allowed to carry outblasting.Please note that shot blasting equipment can be rented.After that, “fix” the locations of all control connections.After applying the leveling coat, recut the control joints to protect the concrete from cracking due to shrinkage and temperature changes.
To further level the concrete floor, you will need a set of primer. Then, with chalk, mark any obvious indentations in the surface.After that, use a level to reveal any low points that you may have missed with the naked eye. Look for holes, depressions and other defects. In the end, leveling a concrete floor with serious defects will require the use of an excessive amount of leveling compound.For this reason, consider using a concrete mixer –as well as shot blasting equipment, a concrete mixer can be rented. Now you know for sure whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband.

Leveling a concrete floor with a self-levelling compound

Once you have planned your project and prepared the surface, proceed to coating the concrete with a leveling compound.Specially developed CTS compoundRapid Set works great in tandem with any concrete screed. This priming agent performs one critical function: it seals the surface of existing concrete, preventing water loss and making the surface stain and bubble free.The primer also improves the adhesive properties of the leveling compound, helping it to better set and hold the existing concrete. Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband? Only if the defects of the subfloor are minimal - it is better not to cover up large cracks.

Apply the concrete leveler with a soft-bristled brush, carefully spreading the liquid evenly over the surface without creating puddles.As you go along, make sure the primer reaches the imperfections and gets into the pores of the concrete.Depending on the condition of the surface, 0.25 centimeters of primer can cover from 4.6 to 9.2 square meters.For large areas up to 37 square meters, large gallon bags are ideal.After application, the primer is dried for a minimum of three hours, but no longer than oneth day. Perhaps, it is the self-leveling mixture that is the best option not only for an apartment, but also for a private house.

Concrete level - how to work

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband - the reviews are contradictory and often people fail to achieve the desired result on the first try.

Once the primer is dry, it's time to apply the concrete leveler.To do this, you need to properly prepare the composition.Pour a 22 kg bag of concrete screed into a bucket and add five liters of water.Mix the mixture with a mixer drill.

Using a long-handled squeegee and other tools, apply the mixture all over the floor, making your way to all corners and edges.The leveling process will be faster if you use a wide spatula and squeegee. Under the influence of gravity, the mixture will fall into the holes and pits in a natural way.A smooth surface will soon be formed.The leveler should bond to the floor within four hours.After 24 hours it will be possible to move on the floor.

Is it possible to level the floor with a rotband - it is possible, but only under the laminate. If you plan to tile over a subfloor, you can do so after six hours of applying the leveler. Carpets and other resilient, moisture-sensitive materials will take approximately 16 hours.If you want to leave a rough concrete floor as a finish, then use the compositionRapid Set - NewCrete Concrete Resurfacer. This mixture provides a beautiful concrete surface for years to come. Thus the question whether it is possible to level the floor with a rotband can be considered closed.

The leveled floor can transform any apartment, making it more modern and cozy. You can think about leveling the flooring by deciding to lay a laminate, linoleum, carpet or lay tiles. These materials require the ideal condition of the rough coating. No matter how frightening beginners in the repair business are, this procedure can level the floor in almost any way possible. The main thing is to follow the instructions exactly, accuracy and patience.

There are many methods for correcting a floor covering, including: installing a dry or wet screed, using a self-levelling compound, constructing a wooden covering on logs, etc. The choice of work method depends on several factors:

• the level of defective flooring;
• base material;
• ceiling heights (i.e. how many cm you can "steal" without making the room uncomfortable).

The floor is considered almost flat if, when measuring its surface with a level, you get fluctuations in the height of the surface up to 5 mm. In such cases, you can sleep peacefully, your floor is almost perfect, the only thing that makes sense to use is acrylic sealant.

When the errors of the main coating are small (up to 3 cm) or there are separate recesses in the concrete field, a self-leveling mixture is used. With irregularities of 2-6 cm, the best option is a wet screed or laying a coating on the logs. In the modern market you will find a wide range of building materials, so you can easily get everything you need.

Regardless of the subfloor and the method of corrective work chosen, the first thing to do is to determine how uneven your floor is. To do this, you will need a level, preferably a laser one.

Measure the deviation of the floor from the horizon at the corners and in the middle of the room, write down the readings. Then mark the zero line of the future flooring: draw it along all the walls of the room or stretch the thread along the room. In the second case, be careful, the rope must be pulled very tightly, because if it sags somewhere, the line will already be uneven.

Next, you need to install beacons. For this purpose, you can use drywall guides or metal profiles, which are placed with sharp edges up. Beacons are laid out on the floor in increments of 0.5-0.8 m. They must be installed along the zero line; for this, even thin plywood or board is placed on the guides. Now, to check if the beacons are really standing correctly, put a level on the plywood.

Also, all ends of the plywood must match the zero line. To align the guides, you can put pieces of drywall, plywood or boards under them. Then the beacons can be screwed to the floor with screws using a perforator.

There are three main methods to make concrete pavement even: dry screed, mortar or self-leveling mortar. But first of all, you need to prepare a rough foundation:

• clean the floor surface from debris and dust;
• remove large delaminations;
• be sure to prime the rough surface;
• seal cracks, pits and other defects with a dry mixture.

This method allows you to level the concrete base with irregularities up to 6 cm, and prepare it for linoleum, laminate or tile laying.

The device of a wet screed is a complex and time-consuming process. The main stages of work are described below.

This method is used only with errors in the level of a concrete or wooden floor up to 3 cm. The self-leveling mixture allows you to easily and quickly make the coating perfectly smooth. Such a solution is made from a dry powder, which is sold in packs of 25 kg. The mixture is diluted with water, the amount of which is indicated on the pack by a specific manufacturer.

Please note that the finished solution must be applied within 15-60 minutes, depending on the brand of the mixture.

The floor hardens in 30 minutes, and complete drying occurs within 72 hours, unlike concrete, which cannot be walked on for another 3 weeks.

To prepare the wood flooring, hammer in any loose boards, sand the floor, and coat any cracks with a thickly mixed mixture. Then treat the base with a waterproof primer.

In order for the filling to be of high quality, it is necessary to take into account some features.

1. The solution must be mixed strictly according to the instructions, its temperature must be above 10 degrees.
2. The mixture should be diluted immediately before pouring, while be sure to calculate the solidification time of the solution.
3. Prepare water in advance and keep it handy as the liquid is added gradually and the mixture thickens very quickly.
4. To level the floor in a room with a large area, you should divide the room into squares.
5. Self-leveling mortar is prepared using a mixer.
6. The finished solution is poured onto the floor in small parts and leveled with a rule. These actions must be done at the same time, so you will need outside help.
7. During operation and until the mixture is completely dry, the temperature in the room must be stable (above 5 degrees). Also make sure that there are no drafts in the room, otherwise the self-leveling floor may crack.
8. Further repair work can be carried out only 3-4 days after the correction of the floor with a self-leveling liquid.
9. After applying this method, the floor will “rise” by 2-3 cm.

The described method is one of the simplest and fastest, but its significant drawback is a rather high price.

It is possible to level a wooden floor, depending on its condition, by repairing or scraping the old coating, as well as using plywood sheets, putty, self-leveling mixture.

First of all, you need to determine how good your floor is. To do this, remove one board and examine its reverse side and log. In cases where the board has begun to rot or is damaged by insects, you will have to replace the damaged panels or re-lay the floor. If the board is dry, such drastic measures are not needed. Next, you should measure the degree of deviation of the surface from the horizon.

If you decide to repair the old floor, it should first be dismantled. Logs, if they are not strong enough, must be strengthened with bars. Defective boards are replaced with new, good ones - they are turned over with the unworn side up. Then the floor is cycled.

The problem is that sometimes it is very difficult to dismantle the old coating. Especially, the owners of "Khrushchev" often face such a problem. In such cases, the floor is not dismantled, but its individual elements are changed, loosened boards are simply nailed.

Tsiklevka

To use this method, you will need a scraper. When working, be sure to wear headphones, a respirator and thick gloves.

1. Free the room where the work will take place from all interior items, including curtains, carpets, paintings.
2. Remove pins and nails driven into the floor that could damage the machine.
3. Start looping from the corner, while moving in a snake.
4. After removing the first layer, you need to putty all the recesses and cracks. The second scraping is carried out after the putty has completely dried. Manually processed places where it is difficult to get close to the machine.

Dry screed for leveling timber or concrete foundations

This method is suitable for leveling concrete and wood surfaces with a strong deviation from the horizon line. At the same time, it is much simpler than pouring a rough base with a cement-sand mixture, since it does not require the installation of reinforcement, preparation of a mortar and waiting for the surface to dry.

Dry screed is also used in cases where there is a need to hide communications in the floor. In addition, the granular material is also a heat insulator. A dry screed is quite easy to make even for one person, who does not even have experience in repair work.

As a dry bulk material, you can take sand or expanded clay.

For work you will need: a shovel, a rule, a level, a screwdriver, a jigsaw, a knife, a pencil, a tape measure, a wooden board for compacting bulk material.

Stages of work

1. A layer of waterproofing is laid on a clean and dry subfloor with an overlap on the walls to a zero level, and fixed there with adhesive tape. For this purpose, suitable polyethylene film, swollen polyethylene. If the base is wooden, it is better to use parchment or roofing felt. In cases where one sheet of material is not enough to cover the entire surface, the strips overlap each other (20–30 cm) and are glued together with adhesive tape.
2. Expanded clay or sand is poured on the insulation layer, while the minimum thickness of the dry screed is 5 cm.
3. Then the granular mixture must be compacted with a long board.
4. Align the screed by placing the rule on a guide profile or board, and removing excess dry material.
5. GVL or chipboard sheets are laid on an even layer of expanded clay.

Correction of a wooden or concrete surface with plywood

This is the easiest and most affordable way to level a concrete or old wooden floor without dismantling the old coating.

To cover concrete with plywood, you should make sure that the humidity in the room does not exceed the norm. To do this, attach a piece of cellophane film to the stove for 72 hours. If, after a specified period, condensate does not appear on the inside of the polyethylene, you can safely level the concrete coating with plywood.

It is possible to lay this material directly on a concrete or wooden floor if the level of unevenness is less than 1 cm.

Plywood must first be impregnated with an antiseptic and cut into squares of a convenient size. If you notice that one of the sheets of material is delaminating, it must be replaced.

Concrete is prepared as above, then covered with a layer of waterproofing, it is desirable to use inflated polyethylene, which also acts as a shock absorber.

The wooden base must be cleaned of debris and dust. Vapor barrier in such cases is not used, so as not to speed up the process of decay of the subfloor. If any board loosens or holds together, hammer it with nails. Then the surface must be primed and puttied with acrylic sealant.

After careful preparation of the rough coating, it is permissible to proceed with the installation of plywood with a thickness of more than 1.5 cm. Plywood sheets are screwed to the wooden base.

Such material is attached to concrete with dowels using a perforator or fixed with a special adhesive mastic. The adhesive is applied to the concrete with a notched trowel. The plywood can then be floored.

Another option for installing plywood is used when the height of the coating fluctuates even more than 5 cm. In such cases, logs are constructed on which plywood sheets are fixed.

Logs are dry wooden blocks, which must be impregnated with a special anti-rotting liquid before installation. They are laid perpendicular to the window opening at a distance of 40-50 cm from each other. In places of irregularities, pieces of wood are placed under the bars. Between them it is necessary to lay linoleum or foamed polyethylene. Logs must be laid, retreating 2 cm from the walls, so that the floor does not deform in the future.

If you have a concrete floor, do not forget about waterproofing before creating the structure.

Free space can be filled with thermal insulation: basalt insulation or mineral wool. Although the air cushion itself is a way to insulate the floor. Sheets of plywood are screwed to the top of the joists.

As you can see, there are many ways to level the floor available to the layman. Choose the most suitable for you and you can transgress.

Video - How to level the floor with your own hands

Laying laminate and linoleum on old wooden floors has a number of features and nuances. First of all, the base for the finishing material must be carefully leveled. If this operation is not performed, the owners of the apartment will definitely have problems in the future. In this article, we will talk about how to properly level the floor before sheathing with finishing material.

Correction of the surface of an old wooden floor can include two main procedures:

• Bringing the base to a horizontal position;
• Elimination of bumps and holes.

The floor should be leveled in both cases.

Level the floor

If the height differences of the base are too large, after or linoleum, such troubles as instability of furniture and jamming of doors may occur. It is also forbidden to mount a finishing coating on a base with pits and mounds. Otherwise, the linoleum in the places of voids will be crushed, and the laminate boards will begin to creak after a while.

You can identify the irregularities of the base under linoleum or laminate using the following technology:

1. The highest point in the room is visually determined;
2. In this place, the level (laser) is set and set;
3. Where a beam appears after turning on the device, marks are made.

Defects can also be detected using the usual level.

Detect irregularities in the base

In this case, an additional long rule is needed. It is laid against the wall and set on top of the level. If there is a difference, make a mark. Next, they transfer the rule to another wall. Thus, they measure the entire room around the perimeter. The presence of holes and bumps can also be determined using an even rule or board.

So, how to determine the presence of irregularities, we have found out. Now let's see .

Align the wooden floor under the laminate

The base correction technique is chosen, first of all, depending on the degree of defects present on it and the condition of the boards.

If the wood has not rotted and the boards have not deformed, methods such as puttying, scraping or plywood sheathing can be used.

Otherwise, the floor is pre-repaired. Further, it is either sheathed with plywood, or poured. In the same way, alignment is performed in the presence of large deviations of the base from the horizontal plane (more than 2-3 cm).

If there are no differences in the floor in the room, the boards are even, but there are minor chips and potholes on them, then simple puttying is used for correction.

Applying a simple putty

The answer to the question of how to level the floor using putty is simple. This procedure is performed as follows:

1. The floor is thoroughly cleaned of dust and dirt;
2. In places of defects, putty is carefully applied with a spatula. It is desirable that its layer rises slightly above the floor surface. The fact is that most types of putties shrink slightly after drying.

A day after puttying, all treated areas should be sanded with sandpaper.

Plywood sheathing and sanding

The choice of technology depends on the depth of the irregularities. Plywood is usually used where it is impossible to correct the situation with scraping.

Before scraping, all furniture must be removed from the room.

Scraping

The floors themselves should be carefully inspected for protruding nail heads. If any are found, they must be sunk into the wood with a hammer, otherwise scraping equipment may be damaged. The latter can be rented from a parquet care company. Typically, such equipment is rented on a daily basis.

So, how to level the floor by scraping? This procedure is performed as follows:

1. The machine is installed at the corner farthest from the door and turns on;
2. The floors are cycled first along the room, and then across. You can also perform the "snake" operation.

When leveling with a scraper, it is important to move smoothly, without stopping. Otherwise, even more depressions may form in the floor.

For the first time, coarse sandpaper (No. 24-40) is put on the working body of the unit, during the second passage of the room - material with medium grain (No. 60-80).

Under the heating radiators and in the corners of the room, most likely, manual scraping will be required, since the machine simply will not pass into such places. Alignment is carried out in hard-to-reach places with the help of a special tool - manual scraping.

Scraping is a great answer to the question of how to level a wood floor. However, if there are significant irregularities on it, it is better to use plywood, chipboard or OSB correction technology. Sheet materials are stacked on logs (40x80 mm).

Plywood correction technology

The latter are installed using a level and fixed to the boards with anchor bolts.

The sheets of sheathing material are cut in such a way that when laying their edges fall on the logs.

It is better to cut plywood into squares with a side of no more than 60 cm, otherwise later its corners may begin to rise and tear the linoleum or spoil the laminate.

Alignment with sheets of plywood, chipboard or OSB is carried out by fastening them with self-tapping screws in increments of 50 cm (at a distance of 3 cm from the edge). It is necessary to leave small gaps (4 mm) between the sheets. A technological gap should also be made around the entire perimeter of the room (5 mm). If you lay the material close, subsequently it will begin to deform due to an increase in area with an increase in air humidity in the room and spoil the linoleum or laminate.

If there are rotten or severely deformed boards on the floor in the room, they should be replaced before leveling. Trimming will be easy to remove. It is not necessary to remove them completely.

warped boards

You can simply cut out the damaged areas (from lag to lag). In grooved boards, cuts are first made and a small piece is removed. Next, the edge parts are removed with a jigsaw . The new board is cut according to the size of the resulting opening.

Then her fold is cut off. After that, the board will easily slide into place. If desired, instead of a fold, you can fill a rail on an adjacent board. In exactly the same way, heavily deformed boards are changed. After the floor has been restored, it can be sanded, sheathed with plywood or poured with a self-leveling mixture. In the latter case, beacons from the rails of the desired height are pre-installed on the boards.

Of course, it will be possible to correctly and well level the floor only if high-quality materials with suitable technical characteristics are used.

Putty

For puttying a wooden base, the following tools are usually used:

1. Acrylic. Such putties are harmless to health and moisture resistant. The only thing is that they are supposed to be applied only on well-dried floors.
2. Oily. This variety is durable and long lasting. Its disadvantage is only a long drying time.
3. Solvent based. The composition of such putty includes wood dust. Since it is not afraid of elevated temperatures, it should be used if it is planned to install a “warm floor” under linoleum or laminate.

Plywood and chipboard for leveling choose only high-quality ones. There should not be any delaminations in the thickness of these materials. The optimal thickness of the sheets themselves is considered to be 10 cm. As for the leveling mixture, when buying it, you should carefully read the instructions. It should clearly indicate that the composition is allowed to be used on the tree.

So, now you know how to level the floor in an apartment under laminate boards or linoleum using different materials.

Level the floor under laminate boards or linoleum

Thus, alignment is carried out in several stages:

1. If necessary, rotten and deformed boards are replaced;
2. The floor is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust;
3. If the boards are even, the base is puttied;
4. In the presence of large pits and mounds, scraping is performed using special equipment;
5. In the presence of deviations from the horizontal or very large pits, leveling is carried out with plywood, chipboard or OSB sheathing or self-leveling mixture;
6. The floor is cleaned again, after which a laminate or linoleum is laid on it.

As you can see, leveling old wooden floors under linoleum and laminate is quite simple. The difficulty in carrying out this operation lies in the actual detection of the presence of the differences themselves.

Identification of the presence of the differences themselves

This procedure should be performed as carefully as possible, and then the new floor finish will be neat and last a long time.

Video

In this video, you will learn how to make a self-adjusting floor using plywood sheets.

This article will describe in detail the process of how to level the floor in an apartment using a finishing leveler. This material will be primarily useful to novice builders who intend to build an apartment or a private house in a short time.

The time spent on leveling the floor in the way that we will consider below is about 2-3 hours and is the easiest and cheapest way to level the floor.

Necessary tools and materials

For alignment we need:

Step-by-step technology for leveling the floor in an apartment using a finishing leveler / self-leveling compound

1. In order for the leveler to adhere well to the existing floor, we need to carefully sweep the floor with a broom, and then it would be great to vacuum the floor.
2. After the floor is cleared, the next step comes − padding. For priming the floor, a primer is required - ceresit CN 17. The primer is applied to the floor surface in order to: strengthen the floor surface, reduce the absorbent surface of the base, absorb existing dust, strengthen the surface, increase the spreadability of finishing materials. The priming of the surface is carried out both with the help of a roller, and it is permissible with the help of a brush.

   

3. After the floor is primed, it is necessary to let it dry for about 2-4 hours.

   

4. The next step is the process of placing beacons to level the floor. Metal profiles will serve as guides for alignment. Fasteners of metal guides are made on plaster.
   

   Mounting the beacon on plaster - photo

5. Beacons are leveled using a building level. At this step, it is necessary to check the angle of inclination of the beacons, both separately and relative to each other.
   

   

6. When the leveler is already beginning to spread on the floor surface, we take an impromptu leveler and evenly distribute the mixture over the entire floor surface.

   

Video - leveling the floor in the apartment

Prices for screeds and self-leveling floors

Screeds and self-leveling floors

Conclusion

Thus, as you can see, the apartment is not a difficult task that almost any owner can do.

An important point in the whole design is the correct choice of finishing roving. Usually the best levelers have a higher price, but also a better quality.

In addition, pay attention to the location of the beacons - this is the basis on which the floor is leveled, so do not neglect the help of the building level.