How to make your own concrete floor levelling slurry?

The article aims to answer the question “How to make your own concrete floor leveling slurry?“. It will also discuss what self-levelling concrete is, and how it can be poured over an existing layer of concrete. Read on to know more:

How to make your own concrete floor levelling slurry?

If you want to make your own concrete floor levelling slurry, follow the given instrcutios: 

• You need to figure out how much concrete slurry you’ll need for the project. Your project’s slurry requirements can only be determined with precision based on the measurements you get from the laser scanner. 

• How much material does it take to cover 25 square feet at a quarter of an inch? A 50-pound bag of Quikrete Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. If your region is deeper or has an inclination, you may need to do some basic arithmetic.

• Determine the slurry’s mix-to-water ratio by consulting the instructions that came with your brand of self-levelling concrete mix. With just a 50-pound bag of mix required, a 5-gallon pail will be enough for basic repairs.

• Use a mechanical stirring device to agitate the slurry while the dry mix is being added to the water. For small-scale manufacturing, this might be a semi-automatic device or a drill with a mixing attachment. 

• Another thing to keep in mind while making slurry is how long and at what pace it should be stirred.

• Now that the slurry has been blended, you may put it to use on your project. A concrete floor levelling slurry may be used for a variety of purposes, including filling in spalls, levelling out gradations, and mending fissures.

What do I need to make my own concrete floor levelling slurry?

To make your own concrete floor levelling slurry, you may need:

• Portland cement 
• Self leveling quikrete 
• Plasticizers
• Protective gear
• Mask
• Concrete

How thick can you pour concrete self-levelling slurry? 

Self-levelling concrete can be poured in thicknesses ranging from 1/4″ to 1″. For thicknesses greater than 1″, I believe it can be poured in layers. Just remember to prime in between each layer.

The thickness of self-levelling concrete you can pour depends on the product you’re using. However, typical thicknesses range from 18 to 1 inch. However, options for pouring as thin as 1/25 inch and as thick as 5 inches are available.

Depending on the floor levelling product you’re using, most manufacturers suggest applying no more than one 1/8″ thick application of self-levelling or floor patch compound at a time.

What is self-levelling concrete?

Self-levelling concrete is a cementitious mixture that resembles standard concrete in both appearance and performance. However, unlike concrete, the material is easier to work with and builds up faster. 

Using a gauge rake, self-levelling concrete is pumped or poured and then spread uniformly. Once it has spread out completely, the mixture will continue to spread equally until it has levelled itself out evenly on the surface.

Self-levelling concrete can be installed in as little as one to two hours, depending on the product. Depending on the type of flooring laid on top, it may be ready to use in as little as 6 hours. 

Underlayment for carpet, tile, and other floor coverings is the most common application for self-leveling concrete.

Unlike regular concrete, which lacks polymers, self-levelling concrete has a high concentration of these glue-like molecules. 

It takes a lot of water to make traditional concrete fluid enough for pouring. Unlike traditional concrete, self-levelling concrete does not require a lot of water to retain its fluidity.

It is true that self-levelling concrete is a more expensive gallon-for-gallon, but it is a versatile substance that can save homeowners from having to destroy or replace old concrete. 

The surface can be restored and quickly rejuvenated without tearing up old concrete by using a half-inch layer of self-levelling concrete.

Why is floor levelling concrete expensive?

Self-levelling cement is so expensive because of its special formula. The strengthened off-the-shelf self-levelling cement can be poured as thin as a sheet of paper with no issues. 

That’s exactly what it’s designed to do. It’s built for that purpose. It’s just that premixed food is so prohibitively pricey.

What are the uses of floor levelling concrete?

The uses of floor levelling concrete are:

• When typical concrete patching compounds fail to repair cracking, pitting, and splitting, self-levelling concrete may be the solution. Additionally, it can be used to level off uneven or flat areas of concrete that do not require mudjacking or complete replacement of the concrete.

• In addition, self-leveling concrete can be utilized as a finished flooring material in its own right. It’s built to withstand the rigors of daily use. 

• Because of its raw, industrial appearance, it goes well with a wide range of design styles. Paint, décor, and accessory elements like accent tiling and backsplashes can all benefit from the use of color additives.

• There are many ways in which self-leveling concrete can be used to save money on a home’s flooring. Particularly for tasks that necessitate a complete subfloor, floor, or even foundation deconstruction. 

• Self-leveling concrete, when used by a professional contractor, can save and revitalize a floor. However, despite its usefulness, there are situations when this strategy isn’t acceptable.

What are the drawbacks of floor levelling concrete?

Continue reading to know the drawbacks of floor levelling concrete:

• It’s possible for a self-levelling compound to dry quite quickly. Mix, pour and level the self-levelling compound in about 20 minutes. Because of this, a person must have all the necessary tools and ingredients to mix, pour, and spread the self-levelling compound properly.

• The subfloor or the surface on which the tiles will be installed will not be stable if self-levelling chemicals are used. The self-levelling compound may break down if the wood subfloor is loosened. 

• This could lead to the loosening and eventual damage to the ceramic floor tiles. Prior to applying any self-levelling compound to the flooring, it is critical to ensure that the subfloor is stable.

• Using a self-levelling compound has the additional drawback of not adhering well to a dusty subfloor. Before using a self-levelling product, make sure the subfloor is completely free of dust and grime.

Can floor leveling concrete level itself?

Yes, floor leveling concrete can level itself. The cementitious mixture used to make self-levelling concrete is very similar to that of regular concrete. 

Concrete, on the other hand, is more difficult to work with and takes longer to harden. A gauge rake is used to spread the product uniformly after it has been combined with water and pumped or poured into place. 

This material flows uniformly and levels itself once spread out in a flat area.

Can self-levelling concrete be poured on top of previously laid concrete?

Yes, you can pour self-levelling concrete on top of previously laid concrete. In order to resurface an old concrete floor with a new concrete leveling layer, you must first prepare the old concrete floor. 

There’s a risk of weakening the link between the old and new concrete layers by not preparing the existing surface.

In order to resurface an old concrete floor with a new concrete leveling layer, you must first prepare the old concrete floor. There’s a risk of weakening the link between the old and new concrete layers by not preparing the existing surface.

Before applying the levelling compound, it is suggested that the concrete surface be prepared with a primer. By doing so, the levelling compound will adhere better and the concrete slab underneath will be sealed.

Conclusion

Most types of subfloor materials can be levelled with a self-levelling compound. Self-levelling compounds can be used on plywood, OSB, concrete, cement board, and a variety of other subfloor materials. When laying tile over an existing tile installation, self-levelling chemicals can also be used.

Self-levelling concrete can be poured in thicknesses ranging from 1/4″ to 1″. For thicknesses greater than 1″, I believe it can be poured in layers. Just remember to prime in between each layer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS): How to make your own concrete floor leveling slurry? 

How to make self-levelling concrete?

You need to figure out how much concrete slurry you’ll need for the project. Your project’s slurry requirements can only be determined with precision based on the measurements you get from the laser scanner. 

How much material does it take to cover 25 square feet at a quarter of an inch? A 50-pound bag of Quikrete Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. If your region is deeper or has an inclination, you may need to do some basic arithmetic.

Determine the slurry’s mix-to-water ratio by consulting the instructions that came with your brand of self-levelling concrete mix. With just a 50-pound bag of mix required, a 5-gallon pail will be enough for basic repairs.

Use a mechanical stirring device to agitate the slurry while the dry mix is being added to the water. For small-scale manufacturing, this might be a semi-automatic device or a drill with a mixing attachment.

How thick can you pour floor leveling concrete?

Self-levelling concrete can be poured in thicknesses ranging from 1/4″ to 1″. For thicknesses greater than 1″, I believe it can be poured in layers. Just remember to prime in between each layer.

The thickness of self-levelling concrete you can pour depends on the product you’re using. However, typical thicknesses range from 18 to 1 inch. However, options for pouring as thin as 1/25 inch and as thick as 5 inches are available.

Can self-levelling concrete be poured on top of previously laid concrete?

Yes, you can pour self-levelling concrete on top of previously laid concrete. In order to resurface an old concrete floor with a new concrete leveling layer, you must first prepare the old concrete floor. 

Why is self-levelling concrete expensive?

Self-levelling cement is so expensive because of its special formula. The strengthened off-the-shelf self-levelling cement can be poured as thin as a sheet of paper with no issues. 

What is floor leveling concrete?

Self-levelling concrete is a cementitious mixture that resembles standard concrete in both appearance and performance. However, unlike concrete, the material is easier to work with and builds up faster. 

Bibliography 

Ritesh Ved. What Are the Drawbacks of Using a Self-Leveling Compound? Do it yourself. Retrieved by: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/what-are-the-drawbacks-of-using-a-self-leveling-compound

National post. Mike Holmes: Self-leveling concrete is a great option to fix a floor — but here’s why it’s not a DIY option. Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/amp/s/nationalpost.com/life/homes/mike-holmes-self-levelling-concrete-is-a-great-option-to-fix-a-floor-but-heres-why-its-not-a-diy-option/wcm/a4d984e6-6dc2-446f-b30b-f698fdb7f462/amp/