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Concrete Floor Leveling
A Level Concrete Floor is Essential for
Properly Installing Wood and Tile Floor Products
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Concrete floor leveling on a slab is
essential if you plan to install ceramic tile or a wood floor product over it.
There are basically two methods that can be employed for concrete floor
leveling. One method involves grinding down the high spots on the slab. The
other method involves using a self leveling compound. In some cases both methods
are necessary to level the concrete floor adequately.
Concrete Floor
Leveling By Grinding
Grinding a concrete floor level is
dusty and noisy work. Talk to your local tool rental company to see what is best
for your concrete floor leveling project.
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To minimize dust, which can be
horrific when grinding concrete, make sure the grinder includes a vacuum or dust
collector if dry grinding. Also make sure you buy the right pads and discs. Keep
in mind that a series of disks are required in the process of grinding and
polishing a concrete floor.
If you elect to use a grinder without a vacuum or dust collector then grind the
concrete floor wet and again make sure to buy the right pads and discs. Also,
always wear eye, ear, and respiratory protection when operating a grinder and
leveling a concrete floor. Moreover concrete grinders typically require a great
deal of brawn as they can be extremely heavy to work with. So make sure you have
a strong pair of extra hands nearby to help you out during the project.
Also, grinding and polishing a concrete floor is another option for a finished
floor product. When done right, a concrete floor that has been properly grinded
and polished can have a beautiful clean and smooth sheen finish.
Concrete Floor Leveling with Self
Leveling Compounds
Self leveling compounds can be tricky
to work with when leveling a concrete floor. Make sure to carefully read the
instructions prior to applying the leveling compound over the concrete.
Typically high spots should be ground down first and any horizontal cracks in
the slab should be filled with crack filler prior to applying the self leveling
compound.
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Also, self leveling compounds require
more than just pouring the material onto the concrete floor. Self leveling
compounds need to initially be screeded, or spread, into place. Then they can
self level on their own to create a smooth surface.
Also, a waterproof cement product should first be applied to the concrete slab
prior to applying the self leveling compound to seal out moisture. Regardless if
there are no cracks in the concrete slab, moisture can and does wick its way up
through the concrete floor.
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If you have plans of directly attaching a wood floor or tile product with an
adhesive backing to the concrete slab, make sure to apply a waterproof cement
product prior to applying the self leveling compound. Otherwise the moisture
that percolates up through the concrete slab will eventually damage the wood
floor, dissolve any adhesive, and cause mold and mildew growth.
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