Self-levelling underlayment is an advantageous, cost-effective way to level surfaces or repair damage to flooring materials. When correctly mixed and installed over an existing substrate, this compound spreads over the surface and levels itself, even filling in cracks and holes in an existing foundation. If you want to use self-levelling underlayment in your space, you must select the right compound for your needs, prepare your substrate, and use the right tools for mixing floor leveler and pouring the compound. Keep reading to see Portamix's suggestions for a successful project and why we recommend the Portamix Hippo Mixer.
Prepare Floors for Self-Levelling Compound in the U.S.
Self-levelling underlayment is an advantageous, cost-effective way to level surfaces or repair damage to flooring materials. When correctly mixed and installed over an existing substrate, this compound spreads over the surface and levels itself, even filling in cracks and holes in an existing foundation. If you want to use self-levelling underlayment in your space, you must select the right compound for your needs, prepare your substrate, and use the right tools for mixing floor leveler and pouring the compound. Keep reading to see Portamix's suggestions for a successful project and why we recommend the Portamix Hippo Mixer.
Understanding Your Substrate
To properly bond and level, a self-levelling compound requires a surface that is stable and structurally sound. Furthermore, the substrate material will determine what kinds of self-levelling compounds you can use. For example, if you're fixing and levelling damaged concrete in an industrial space, you'll want to use self-levelling concrete that is durable enough to act as a finished floor. On the other hand, if you're installing underfloor heating in a residential bathroom, you'll care less about the durability of your self-levelling compound and more about its levelling capabilities to create a smooth surface for tile installation. Envisioning your final goal and working backward can help you make the right choices about your self-levelling compound.
Preparing Your Substrate
Next, you need to prepare and clean your substrate to allow the self-levelling compound to bond and avoid damaging your walls, pipes, wiring and other nearby appliances. You should start by thoroughly sweeping and vacuuming the area to remove any dirt and debris to which the compound may bond instead of the substrate. To prevent seepage, you can tape off or plug all your floor openings, gaps, cracks, doorways, drains, vents and anywhere else the self-levelling compound will flow. Since a self-levelling compound is liquid until it dries, you also need to conduct a moisture test to determine whether you need moisture mitigation in certain cracks, seams or on the entire surface.
Using a Quality Primer
Using the right kind of primer will also help mitigate surface posterity before installation. A primer helps to seal the substrate and prevents moisture from soaking into the substrate, allowing the self-levelling compound to sit on top. It also acts as a bonding agent to ensure the self-levelling compound sticks to the substrate and any materials you used to seal cracks or holes. The primer sets the stage for how well your self-levelling compound works, no matter how well you prepare the substrate or mix and pour the compound.l.
Properly Mixing Floor Leveler
Equally as vital as using a quality primer is using quality tools to mix and pour your self-levelling compound, such as the Mega Hippo mixing station. Thoroughly mixing and evenly pouring your self-levelling compound will prevent air bubbles and over-saturation that results in an uneven flooring surface. The Portamix Hippo Mixer is a convenient, all-in-one mixing station that enables you to mix, store, pour and maneuver around your work site. Therefore, you don't have to worry about under-mixing the compound or pouring too much or too little on your substrate.
To learn more about how the Mega Hippo Mixer can help you mix and pour self-levelling flooring compounds more efficiently, call Portamix on +1 612 389 9343 or download the catalog below.
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