Concrete settles and so it’s common to find uneven surfaces in the floors and foundation. The ground can wash out and shift around, and the concrete can shrink and dry. This is just something to expect.
What can you do as a homeowner noticing uneven concrete surfaces? Well, consider a bit of DIYing self-leveling concrete at home!
Self-Leveling Concrete at Home: Our Top Tips
Updating your flooring with self-level concrete results in a better appearance. Do a bit of polishing and your floors will look brand new! Plus, the home gains longevity by solving foundation issues before it’s problematic.
The following are a few tips for pouring self-leveling concrete for smooth floors:
Tip #1: Thoroughly Clean the Area
Any debris in the area you’re pouring concrete will create a less-than-stellar finish. So, take meticulous care of cleaning the work area!
- Properly remove tile, laminate, or wood flooring
- Sweep and air blast small particles away
- Use goop remover to get buildups washed away
Get and use a quality shop vac for all the small stuff. Check everything over and if it’s clean then you’re all set to start the project.
Tip #2: Give a Darn about Your Dams
Self-leveling concrete gets everywhere pretty easily. You’ll want to set up proper dams and blockage from areas you don’t want it going.
Cut wood to size and frame it around the area you’re pouring. Think of these cuts like little dams that’ll stop the liquidy concrete from getting all over. Also, consider using plastic sheeting or plaster for hard to get-to areas.
Tip #3: Use Quality Leveling Tools
Self-leveling concrete will… level itself.
That doesn’t mean it’ll be perfect, though, as you’ll want to put in extra effort ensuring it comes out smooth. For this, you’ll want good leveling tools:
- Gauge rake
- Smoothing paddles
You can get these items at a local hardware store or even DIY them. You can find complete tool kits, too, that includes everything needed for installation.
Tip #4: Pour at the Right Time
Extreme weather can make your concrete project a real pain. So, try to do it when it’s not too cold and not too hot. Likewise, aim for a day where the air moisture is at a minimum so everything dries fast.
Tip #5: Follow Everything 1:1
The self-leveling underlayment is specially formulated. It’s a lot like baking where too much of one thing can lead to undesirable results.
- Follow every step of the process to the tee
- Don’t use too little water or mix too much in
Consider getting a couple of extra bags of concrete. This gives you wiggle room in case you mess something up. Or, if you need to completely redo the project.
Consider Our Expertise for Your Project
Pouring self-leveling concrete at home isn’t a particularly difficult DIY project. But, it can get messy, costly, and frustrating if you’re not the DIY type!
Let us provide the perfect outcome for your concrete project.
Talk with one of our experts about our self-leveling concrete services. We’ll provide an affordable quote and have your project done in a jiffy! Give us a call, 732-259-5932, or get in touch with us online — you won’t be disappointed!
