How to use self-leveling cement on a concrete floor?

[maulik]

I am planning to use the Bastion self-levelling compound for concrete floors. I had to remove my old hybrid flooring boards as the floor was uneven. After removing the boards and checking the floor, I noticed that most of the area is well levelled, but some spots have gaps of 2mm to 6mm. The corridor had a 6mm dip, which is where the boards started showing signs of an uneven floor. Now, I am planning to use the Bastion self-levelling 20kg bag. I need to do three rooms (3.2 x 3.6) and a small hallway. I have most of the tools for mixing but was hoping to get some guidance on what other items I need for levelling. I see in many videos the use of a spiked roller, but is this really necessary? Given once the concrete is levelled, I am planning to reinstall floor which is the Easy Plank hybrid flooring boards, which are 7.5mm thick.

also should i cover any small gaps under the skirting board? 

thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @maulik,

Thank you for your question about applying self-levelling compound in your home.

A spiked roller is used to remove trapped air bubbles and help the self-levelling compound flow evenly across the surface, creating a smooth, uniform finish. As you pour and spread the compound, small air pockets can form, especially when mixing by hand or covering larger areas. Rolling over the wet compound with a spiked roller breaks those bubbles and helps blend adjoining pours, reducing the chance of pinholes, bumps, or uneven patches once it cures.

In saying this, as it will be covered by flooring, small pinholes are not really a concern, and you should still be able to achieve acceptable results.

It is also going to be worthwhile caulking the gaps under your skirting board, as if they are left open, your self-levelling compound can run under them and under the wall framing, which will waste material and cost you money. I'd suggest using No More Gaps to cover them.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[maulik]

Thanks Jacob,

i have done the levelling though i noticed that when you enter into the bedroom from the coordinator the levelling is slight off. I think there is 4mm gap however when i used the 2m spirit to check the level in the corridor or in the bedroom everything is perfectly level however the entrance is where if you keep the leveller either mostly in bedroom or mostly in the corridor that when you see this gap. This doesn’t happen in other bedroom. Any advice what to do there? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @maulik,

It would be hard to give you specific advice without seeing it.

Do you have any photos you can share?

It might be easiest to just use a repair mortar like this Floor Repairer Rapid Patch Mortar to fill this area manually. It is thicker than a levelling compound, so you could spread, level and smooth it out using a trowel.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[maulik]

Please see the attached picture. 

If you place the spirit at the entrance of the room then you can see the gap at the end. 

 

But if you move leveller back a bit into the corridor then all is levelled at the start but at the back there is a gap as you can see in below picture

if you place the leveller inside the room then you don't see the same gap which you could see in first image. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @maulik,

It's a little bit larger of an area than I had pictured. I'd say your best option at this point is to just apply some Lanko Ultraprime 124 Surface Primer over the first layer of self-leveller and then pour a second coat over the low point to bring it up to the same level.

Is there an opening on that side where, if you poured another layer of self-leveller, it might run out? If so, then you'll have to block any openings to ensure the leveller stays where you want it to.

You'll also have to either remove the skirting boards or protect them to prevent the additional self-leveller from damaging them.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob