Pouring self-leveling screed

If the surface at the investment site is uneven, it is recommended to professionally level the substrate before laying wooden floors. Parkiet Studio offers the execution of self-leveling screeds tailored to the type of flooring being installed. Our technicians will select the optimal leveling compound for you, which will be best suited for the chosen type of wooden floors. Self-leveling screeds ensure that the surface on which the floor will be laid in subsequent stages gains proper smoothness, hardness, as well as correct strength and smoothness. Our experienced employee will not only calculate the required thickness of the self-leveling screed but will also assess the quality of the current substrate and propose a possible method of strengthening it before pouring the compound.

Our qualified professional will first check the quality of the screed. The substrate for the self-leveling screed should not be cracked. It is also necessary to ensure its proper hardness, mechanical strength, and smoothness. The most optimal solution here is a cement or anhydrite screed, the surface of which is precisely sanded or milled, as well as thoroughly vacuumed. If the screed does not meet any requirement for the selected flooring, the next step in our work is a solid repair of the screed. At this stage, it will be necessary to remove any voids and cracks that could adversely affect further work stages, and also strengthen the substrate with a mix of epoxy resins filled with quartz sand. In special cases, it may also be necessary to additionally install a special glass fiber floor mesh.

The moisture content of the new screed after drying should not exceed 3% CM for resin floors and 2% CM for other types of floors. It should also be remembered that the substrate should be smoothed with a self-leveling compound with similar technical parameters. To start floor installation work, it is also necessary to check the evenness of the substrate. The maximum tolerance for unevenness is 2mm/1m or 3mm/2m, but no more than 5mm for the entire length or width of the floor.

When applying the self-leveling screed, it is also important to ensure proper room conditions. The optimal temperature for such work should be in the range of 18-22°C, with simultaneous air humidity ranging from 45-65%. The optimal temperature of the substrate is 12°C and at least 3°C above the dew point for the epoxy sand-filled ground. It should be noted that the lower the temperature, the slower the floor dries, giving the contractor more time for proper leveling, but the best solution is to adhere to the optimal temperature range.

If the screed is meant to level the surface precisely and be lower than existing floors, before pouring the compound, it will be necessary to level the substrate and set markers that will define the screed plane.

The self-leveling screed should dry in a room without drafts and excessive sunlight. After 24 hours of pouring the screed, it is also recommended to ensure proper air circulation in the room (e.g. by slightly opening windows).

The self-leveling screed should be properly prepared for further installation work. Before installing wooden floors, it should be sanded and vacuumed. In some cases, additional priming may also be necessary.