How To Choose A Self-leveling Floor: Types, Features, Not Material Flaws

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• Types of mixtures
• Cement mixtures
• Polyurethane floors
• Epoxy self-leveling floor
• Methyl methacrylate self-leveling floors
• Self-leveling floor design solutions
• Decorative chips
• Use of polymer dyes
• Transparent floor with decorations
• 3d floor effect
• Precautions when working with self-leveling floor:
• Conclusion

Self-leveling floors have recently become a very popular floor covering. These are unique self-leveling compounds that allow you to get the perfect floor surface as quickly as possible. It should be noted that there are a large number of such compositions, and therefore it is necessary to figure out what types of self-leveling floors exist, and which one is better to choose. It is with this question that we will consider further.

Types of mixtures

First of all, it should be noted that directly from the type of mixture, i.e. Its composition will depend on both the appearance of the coating and its performance.

Directly the choice of the main variety depends on the purpose that is set for the coating. There are two of these types:

1. Cement based. This view is used to level the surface.
2. And the second is polymer compositions. These are used directly as a decorative coating.

In turn, polymer systems are divided into three subgroups:

1. Polyurethane
2. Epoxy
3. Methyl methacrylate

And for a full understanding of which type is best suited, you need to consider each in more detail.

Cement mixtures

The cement screed is used only as a leveling layer, it is a kind of alternative to the standard cement screed.

The only difference from the standard screed is the ability to self-level. It is caused by a more liquid consistency of the composition. This is what allows it to spread over the floor surface, creating a perfectly even coating.

This system is used when preparing the base for the topcoat.

The release of mixtures of this kind is carried out in bags, the same as for cement. It is a dry mixture that requires preliminary mixing with water. The mixture contains: cement, various plasticizers, sand and lime.

Among the advantages of such a composition are noted:

1. Relatively low cost.
2. Good leveling ability.
3. High level of durability.
4. Long operational period.
5. Versatility.
6. Resistant to temperature changes.

Do not forget about the disadvantages, of which there are only two:

1. Low resistance to chemical attack
2. Lack of opportunity to use as a topcoat.

Polyurethane floors

The next type is polyurethane floors, or as they are called in another way - liquid linoleum. This kind of mixtures are especially elastic, which helped them gain great popularity. Due to this property, the coating is practically insensitive to deformation as a result of mechanical stress. At the same time, even a standard screed or concrete cannot boast of such a high level of properties.

Such coverage, of course, has its pros and cons. And if we draw a parallel between PVC - linoleum, laminate, ceramic tiles and liquid linoleum, then the latter has more advantages! This is durability, moisture resistance, unpretentiousness in climatic conditions, higher strength and the absence of seams eliminates the possibility of bacteria and parasites appearing on such a coating.

The main disadvantages are obsolescence, deformation and external changes under the influence of ultraviolet light, the difficulty of filling, preparing the base, significant difficulty, if necessary, to remove linoleum from the base, artificial material and climate control of the base.

Liquid linoleum is sold “by kilograms”. The average market price of a self-leveling floor in Russia is $ 10-17, abroad - $ 20-30, in the CIS countries - $ 13-15. Such a different price schedule has been established due to the fact that this species is less common abroad than, for example, in the territory of Eastern Europe. It also depends on the supplier of the product and the price standards of each country.

Another thing worth noting is resistance to any aggressive impact.

Benefits:

1. The polyurethane self-leveling floor has a high level of strength and elasticity.
2. It is immune to the effects of chemical compounds, as well as temperature extremes and sudden changes in the microclimate.
3. Wear-resistant and durable.
4. Possesses good aesthetic qualities. There is a huge assortment on the market with different color variations and the ability to create patterns.
5. Easy to care for and use.
6. Additionally creates a layer of heat and sound insulation.

Among the shortcomings, only a rather high cost, as well as a rather complex installation technology, should be noted.

Epoxy self-leveling floor

This composition can be called unique, it contains special hardeners and epoxy resins. Thanks to its unique structure, it perfectly flattens the floor surface and also takes on a predetermined decorative look.

It is also worth noting that the material is completely immune to the effects of aggressive media. Due to this, it is often used in the arrangement of swimming pools, as well as premises with strong pollution and chemical attack.

In addition, floors of this type are safe, and therefore are recommended for use in residential areas and institutions for children.

But at the same time, even in spite of their hardness, this type of floor is quite fragile, the fall of any heavy object can cause cracks. It is for this reason that such a coating is not recommended for use in rooms that involve an impact load on the floor.

Among the advantages are noted:

1. High level of durability.
2. Wear resistance.
3. Immunity to acids, alkalis and household chemicals.
4. Moisture resistant.
5. Good decorative qualities.

Among the shortcomings, only fragility and a rather high cost are noted.

Methyl methacrylate self-leveling floors

This kind of mixture is pretty good. They are used for arranging the floor surface in industrial premises. Compared to other compounds, they have a high level of strength, wear resistance and immunity to chemical attack.

In addition, the coating can withstand more mechanical loads, in particular, driving over such car floors.

It should also be noted that this kind of dormancy dries quickly, this allows the floor to be installed without stopping the production process in the shops. In particular, complete hardening takes place within an hour, and a full set of strength in just two hours. The only drawback is that when it dries, the composition releases some gases that are harmless to the body, but have a rather sharp unpleasant odor. But this disadvantage can be eliminated through good ventilation of the room.

Having considered the material more succinctly, the following advantages can be distinguished:

1. Ease of installation and short curing time.
2. High level of strength and durability.
3. Immunity to chemical attack.
4. Moisture resistance

Among the disadvantages is an unpleasant odor during hardening.

Self-leveling floor design solutions

When choosing compositions, a large number of buyers pay attention not only to performance characteristics, but to a greater extent to decorative qualities. It should be noted right away that cement and methyl methacrylate floors do not have any frills and are presented in standard variations. But polyurethane and epoxy provide a fairly large selection.

Today, compositions of many colors and even patterns can be found on sale. But there are also suggested ways to give the coating some design features. Let's consider the most popular ones.

Decorative chips

It means adding individual particles of different sizes and colors to the mixture. By themselves, they resemble pieces of chips, but at the same time, thanks to them, the finished surface takes on a unique look, in some cases copying the texture of natural materials (granite or marble, for example).

Use of polymer dyes

Also, a good decoration option is the use of polymer paints, which are applied to the base surface and then covered with a layer of varnish, you can see the type of such a floor in the photo below.

Transparent floor with decorations

Also a pretty popular technique. In this knock, an epoxy transparent floor is used, which is poured into various objects, such as coins.

3d floor effect

This option for arranging the floor is the most interesting, since it allows you to create a realistic picture on the floor.

This type of coating is carried out by laying the picture on the floor and then pouring it with a transparent self-leveling floor based on epoxy resins.

Precautions when working with self-leveling floor:

Work on pouring a polyurethane self-leveling floor must be carried out in a room where ventilation is possible. Also, you should be wary of getting the solution on exposed skin. It is recommended to use gloves and glasses.

Now let's talk about the prevalence of liquid floor, as it happens. It is typically used in cafes, airports and stadium installations. These are the most common applications for liquid linoleum. Of course, there are many other places that are not as well-known as those listed above, so it is impossible to judge the popularity of the liquid floor by looking at these data, because only the most numerous and large objects are taken into account here.

It is important to know that this coating is sold as a one-component and two-component. The first is sold already in solution, the second consists of a hardener and filler. Many people recommend the second option, as it allows you to mix the components in place, and allows you to save excess solution for the future! You only have to comply with one condition - you need to store them only in an airtight container, since even with the slightest air access, this substance hardens.

How to cover your floor, of course, you decide. But in my opinion, liquid linoleum is the best solution for your apartment or premises!

Conclusion

When choosing a self-leveling floor, it is very important to pay attention not only to the aesthetic appearance, but also to the performance characteristics. Based on this, we propose to be guided by the following tips and recommendations when choosing:

1. For industrial premises, floors based on methyl methacrylate are suitable.
2. For residential premises, epoxy and polyurethane are suitable as a decorative coating.
3. In the case when it is necessary to create an even coating for the further laying of the facing material, cement compositions should be chosen.

And in conclusion, we suggest that you watch several videos about each of the presented compositions and their design options.

Video: